Questions for this episode are CLOSED. Watch Susie’s Episode 5 response: Susie’s Answers - Episode 5. To submit questions to Susie, go to Ask Susie - Episode 6.
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Want to know what Susie really thought about The Next Food Network Star, Episode 5? Now you can ask her!
Write in all of your burning questions to Susie about Episode 5 in the comments section within this post! Susie will pick a few of the best questions and answer you directly via vlog next Friday, July 10.
- Watch Susie’s Answers - Episode 1
- Watch Susie’s Answers - Episode 2
- Watch Susie’s Answers - Episode 3
- Watch Susie’s Answers - Episode 4
- Watch Susie’s Answers - Episode 4
Susie, you probably already know that you are a recent Internet sensation. Did you have lip implants?
Who will produce the 6 episode program for the winner? Gordon Elliott? How are the producers determined after a winner is found?
Did Gordon Elliott have any input on the demographic regions that can be reached by the “winner”?
Am I the only one who sees Debbie as a manipulator? The first week she actually lied about her what she bought and this week she made it seem like it was Michaels fault that she got hurt. She walked right up behind him! What did she expect? As far as Michael finding his voice…Remember how difficult it was for Aaron McCargo at first? Michael and Jeffery will find their voice.
Why are people with limited or no culinary experience being paired against people who have culinary experience ? It seems to me that people with less or no culinary experience are at a disadvantage !
Do you choose the next food network star based on how annoying they can be or does it have something to do with the ability to actually cook?
Am I the only one who doesn’t like Melissa?
Sorry, but to me she has that always-on-smiley-cheeleader-class-president-reese-witherspoon-in-”Election”-miss-perfect vibe to her. I can’t warm up to that at all.
She is progressing well on skills, but I don’t care how well she performs in the challenges - if she wins, I doubt I’ll watch her show. I felt the same about Amy Finley…
Food Network has so many Chefs/Stars who seem real and “accessible”. You know who I mean: Ina, Bobby, Paula, Rachael, Sunny, The Neeleys and Aaron….Melissa just makes my teeth hurt.
So far, I have no favorites of who I like best - still watching…but that’s my two cents.
having trouble with this site. where is the video of susie? something isn’t quite right here LOL
not going to post here anymore as there was too much lying going on and the judges just don’t see the “forest for the trees”!!
Please give Jamika a little support. The girls got snaps, she’s just shaking in her boots. The Intrepid thing wasn’t her fault. And now she’s just too scared to be herself. We all know it’s probably going to be Melissa, she’s adorable. Michael is extremely entertaining and will come into his own. I’m not trying to be mean, but think Bobby was right about Katy, she’s very cute and childlike, but she IS middle of the road. Jeffery is VERY charming, I could see him having his own show. Debbie seems to be getting more humble, good job on calling her on the carpet about the whole shopping thing and the angel food cake. I just LOVE this show. Sick thing is, 90% of the tv I watch is The Food Network. Sad huh:):):)?
Oh yea, would LOVE to see a Low Carb show!!!!!!
Melissa has been trying too hard to show “personality” on camera, but I think she’ll learn to tone it down as she hears criticisms. As an amateur chef, she’s certainly holding her own with winning dishes!
LoriL… I’m a Lori L too!:):):) I just saw your post. And after re watching Debbie this afternoon, I can truly see your point. She tends to throw people under the bus! I think I was just giving her more benefit of the doubt than I should have. You’re on point!
I’m sorry, that was for Donna….Duh!
Whoever said Melissa is cheerleader like and too happy with herself is right on. Annoying to the max. Her voice and energy is unbearable for TV. Sorry.
I cant believe Debbie of all people keeps commenting on other peoples honesty when she is the most dishonest person Ive seen this season. First of all she spends the majority of the budjet in the first challenge on her own crab cakes and shorts everyone else. Then she buys that stupid angel food cake and forces others to make it while she takes NO ownership of it, when it was all her idea. Then when she fails to let Michael know she is behind him she whines and plays the victim for the entire show. It was HER fault. Michael was NOT at fault. She needs to toughen up and be honest when she makes a mistake. As we have seen she doesnt mind pointing out others who she believes is dis-honest. Please get rid of her! Also, I dont understand why you are suddenly turning on Jeffery. He has done wonderful and is very fun to watch and is entertaining as well as a great cook. He gets lobster and blueberries?! You try to work these two items into one dish in a terrible kitchen…good luck. He is the obvious talent in this group in my opinion.
Melissa is by far my favorite. As for her high energy level, it hasn’t seemed to hurt Rachel Ray any. Her homemaker image is part of what I like about her. I suspect most viewers are home cooks as well.
We live in Alaska and look forward to watching NFNS each year. Why is it we cannot vote? We live in the US, not a foreign country. We feel insulted.
Susie, why don’t you have your own show?
You’re intelligent, perky and beautiful. If all you do is make bologna sandwiches, people will watch.
I enjoy the show and believe the judges are consumate professional chefs. I don’t get that feeling from the candidates. I do however, question the logic of forcing them to cook on inferior cooking stoves and under such time crunch that they would not in a show where they would have the best support and kitchens. I want to see sometime I know can cook with great character but bring fantastic meals to us that we can do in a reason but not insane amount of time.
I enjoy this show but am a little concerned. These reality shows always seem to have an underdog/longshot included. I hope that Melissa is truly being considered as having the opportunity to win. I can identify with her being overwhelmed by a commercial kitchen. I appreciate her just being a normal, genuine, real person and not a “real chef”. I do think she is high strung but she has toned it down the last couple of episodes. Rachel Ray is more high strung and frantic than Melissa has been. I think it would be nice to see a food network show with someone cooking for a family with normal ingredients and on a budget. It is fun to watch the shows with the professional chefs and fancy ingredients but for most of us that is just not real life. I would like to see Melissa have a show where she goes to the grocery store and talks about produce and what can be done with it. I am also impressed with Melissa’s character, her humility, excitement and honesty really reflects her integrity, that is not something you can fake, she appears genuinely happy for the other contestants when they win a challenge or get a compliment from the judges. Melissa just comes across like a normal person. If anyone can watch Rachel Ray or the Neeleys, they could watch Melissa.
I hope that Debbie wins as we desperately need a show that shows how to cooke Asian-fusion style. In fact, FoodTV has no shows focusing on Asian food cooking. It’s about time FoodTV wakes up to this reality.
Oh yea, would LOVE to see a Low Carb show!!!!!!
Lori on July 4, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Lori,
FN used to have a low carb show and it was great! The chef had some really great ideas and recipes. They also had a show with Chef Juan Carlos Cruz where he took recipes and re-made them to be lower calorie. That was also a great show. I don’t know why the PTB took those shows off the network. Personally, I’m getting tired of all the challenges. I’ll never make a 6 foot cake that spins around and really don’t care what is involved to make one.
As a Korean-American, it really bothers me that Debbie grossly mispronounces Korean dish names. (I mean, Guy Fieri may have some excuse for mispronouncing bulgogi, but if you’re trading on your asian-ness, at least work it right, girl.) She seems to trade on her asian heritage without really having any sense of what that means. I can see from her seasoning that she really needs to get more connected with what Korean (and other asian foods) are all about.
Hi Susie!
Could you please answer two simple yes-or-no questions for me?
First, did Jeffrey and Jamika cook in a different kitchen from the other contestants on last week’s show?
And second, aren’t all of the episodes except the finale and probably the last challenge taped quite a while in advance, which means your votes cannot be influenced by these comments?
Thank you!
Hi Susie!
Sorry — one more question. Last week, did the servicemen and women get to vote on their favorite contestant dishes and presentations, and if so, did their votes influence your decisions? Thanks again!
Hi Susie!
Just to let you know that my restaurant is called Susie’s just thought you would get a kick out of it!!! If you are ever in the Caribbean Drop by the island of Culebra…it would be a pleasure to cook for you! best regards Susie
I would have to say that I enjoy watching the show, and that Jeffery and Mellissa come across to me as someone I might watch on TV. Ok, Have to add Michael into that too ! He seems “normal”. Bet he has not heard that too many times !
I understand that Rachel Ray is well respected at FN. However, her behavior with the contestants is really misleading. For e.g. last year she had a bad attitude when Chelsea asked her to help. Rachel as far as I can tell, is persuing the ‘ woman next door ‘ image ( even though she doesn’t seem to act grown up ) , well we do ask our girlfriends to help when they come over !!!!!! Also, can someone please ask Rachel to take care of her finger nail fungus ? It is gross !!!! All the creative camera angles don’t always help ! Besides God knows she is not short of finances !
I can’t believe no one has commented about Micheals comment about “he could just make out” with Bobby Flay. I thought he was very intertaining until I heard that come out of his mouth.
Is this called “FN Dish” because it’s the inside Dish or because Susie is a total DISH!
I am addicted to NFNS and so many of the shows on the Food Network. I think Susie is a great judge and makes helpful and insightful comments. She is also nice to the contestants.
Susie, I think you are GREAT! Can you inspire one of your food network Chef’s to start up a show called “Cooking for Dummies” This best describes me in the kitchen!! THANKS Carla Waddell of Redlands
Why do you at food network have the New food network star with people that are not already chefs or restaurant owners. This would make for a much contest. I watch food network all the time but would never watch Melissa or Michael. Please have some more real cooking shows with different foods, like chinese or thai.
Thanks
Well the fun for this week begins
Hee Haw Ride’em Cowboy
Dear Susie,
I agree with the decision to send Katie home, but I thought you and Bob were a little harsh on her with her yum-o demonstration. Like Bobby, I thought she did a great job connecting with the kids and making the food fun. Can you explain why you were dissapointed.
Thanks, and I look forward to Episode 6!
I just watched the 6th episode. THANK you for sending Katie home. Granted, she had a better week, but honestly, I’m with Bob, she makes me want to go eat chocolate and cake. FINALLY, some criticism of Debbie and her trading on the “I’m Korean”. No Really?????? I couldn’t tell by looking at you, at all. I honestly think Jeffery, Melissa, or Jamika are the FN’s best hope for a new ’star’. I like Aaron McCargo, but I can’t watch an entire show of him.
i agree. you seem to be very mean spirited and a self-appionted know-it-all. what qualifies you to be a judge?
This is the second year in a row I felt the show was rigged, when Susie likes someone they will be the next food network store. Jamika fell apart she should have gone home. Bobby Flay I am suprised.
This week’s episode just finished, and I can’t say I’m sorry to see Katie go, but I didn’t feel as though Jamika should have been in the bottom three without Jeffrey. There’s just something about him that doesn’t jive, I’ve noticed and it has been noted on the show that he appears to have a very limited view what to cook with and how. The lobster and blueberries proved that.
I agree with several of the others on this board, Debbie is not the sweet innocent she tends to show whenever the camera in on her directly. But I guess that’s what its all about.
Well, again I was disappointed to see Debbie stay. She is even more one-note than Jeremy–and at least he makes his food sound good.
My question is–why was Michael kept on when he admitted to hating/being afraid of the camera? This is not something that can be fixed in a high pressure environment like the competition. Katie has shown some ability to incorporate the judges’ criticism, which Michael has not.
I was sad to see Jamika shut down, and to see her and Jeremy not communicate about their dish. I think that if they had not been so afraid to say what they thought about the other’s ideas for the dish while shopping, they might have come up with a better dish and had a better presentation, as they both have shown better cooking and presenting skills in prior episodes.
In addition to the above comment, send them all home as not one single person would hold my attention for 30 minutes. Where did you find these people anyway.
Well, I was a little disappointed that Jamica stayed after she froze. Katie was doing better this week overall…
I think that Melissa or Jeffrey could do well doing a show for kids! My 2 year old LOVES FN - especially Rachel Ray- and we have it on all the time.
Just a thought for a new audience - not just dad/mom BUT the kids. They watch too
I agree that Katie had to go… she was just too caught up in the chemistry to make things sound good.
However, Debbie needs to be sent home. She either consciously or unconsciously sabotages everyone she works with on a project. Who ever heard of a pro forgetting to say “Behind you”??? Michael was horrified, and his performance showed it.
Hi Susie, I’d like to know how much value do you give to excellent cooking vs excellent personality? Does cooking great food make up for less than perfect personality?
PS I’m a huge Susie fan, and appreciate your comments - you are direct in a very professional way.
Go Go Momma. Melissa is fun and has great ideas on food and family. I would like to see Melissa slow down in her presentation. Does FN offer coaching on these skills or is that part of the test? I still like Michael too, he is a hoot.
Dear Suzie,
How much of your judging is based on potential?
The Food Network needs a show about plain food. No steaks with sauces all over them, give us a good goulash or corned beef hash & eggs. Plain food for plain folks.
Thanks luvcookin! Maybe if enough people ask them to bring it back it will work. I’m finishing writing a basic “how to” low carb cook book, I’m on a mission to help people everywhere be able to easily achieve a low karb lifestyle. And we all need all the help we can get:):):) Thanks again!
Susie, you’re beginning to seem a little biased towards Jamika and Debbie. I like Jamika, but she does not see to be the same personality she was to begin with. Debbie is a back-stabbing liar, good on camera, but unbelievable — she may be Korean-American — but I don’t think she knows much about Korean food. I like Michael, but his fear of the camera is has not gotten better. Jeffrey is boring. Melissa has the most star potential of any of the contestants. I’m a working teacher and I would cook her food. She reminds me of Rachel Ray — her energy makes me believe I CAN cook that food and make it look great. She has been in my shoes. She makes me want to cook. I remember with Guy was a finalist — he has that ease with the camera too — but I never watch his shows. I wouldn’t watch Debbie either.
Dear Suze,
Are the looks more important than the goods? For example: You said
Katies chicken was dry. Ive tried some Paula Dean recipes. Most of them dont taste all that grand as it sounds. So at first I thought it was me, then my great aunt in Colorado tried it. (I live in different Texas climate) It was still not as appetizing. Please explain.
Another week on the Flay Network. Was I the only one who noticed that Bobby was in nearly EVERY SHOW today? His suit was awful…Susie and Bob looked great. Todays elimination was tough to see but
Susie, you’re beginning to seem a little biased towards Jamika and Debbie. I like Jamika, but she does not seem to be the same personality she was to begin with. Debbie is a back-stabbing liar, good on camera, but unbelievable — she may be Korean-American — but I don’t think she knows much about Korean food. I like Michael, but his fear of the camera has not gotten better. Jeffrey is boring. Melissa has the most star potential of any of the contestants. I’m a working teacher, and I would cook her food (or at least try). She reminds me of Rachel Ray — her energy makes me believe I CAN cook that food and make it look great. She has been in my shoes. She makes me want to cook. I remember with Guy Fieri was a finalist — he had (and has) that ease with the camera too — but I never watch his shows. I wouldn’t watch Debbie either. You need a show of your own, Susie. I’d watch you too!
But, the judges were fair. Debbie makes me crazy as she used the Rachael Ray crutch - played to Rachael not the audience while yet another of her victims takes the fall. The day before when they prepped for the RR Show perhaps she could have given Katie a heads up on the flavor of the chicken. It’s chicken nuggets for heavens sake! Put a bottle of tabasco on the judging table.
Susie, you’re beginning to seem a little biased towards Jamika and Debbie. I like Jamika, but she does not seem to be the same personality she was to begin with. Debbie is a back-stabbing liar, good on camera, but unbelievable — she may be Korean-American — but I don’t think she knows much about Korean food. I like Michael, but his fear of the camera has not gotten better. Jeffrey is boring. Melissa has the most star potential of any of the contestants. I’m a working teacher, and I would cook her food (or at least try). She reminds me of Rachel Ray — her energy makes me believe I CAN cook that food and make it look great. She has been in my shoes. She makes me want to cook. I remember when Guy Fieri was a finalist — he had (and has) that ease with the camera too — but I never watch his shows. I wouldn’t watch Debbie either. You need a show of your own, Susie. I’d watch you too!
Do you choose the next food network star based on how annoying they can be or does it have something to do with the ability to actually cook?
loril7 on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 am
Loril7,
This year it appears to be based on ethnicity.
David on July 4, 2009 at 6:44 pm - Had the best comment today! Susie on a show would be awesome!
I’ve watched Food Network for as long as it’s been in my area. Many of the stars had similar problems that we are seeing with the contestants . It seems to me you are expecting these people to come in perfect much like the stars are now. Please don’t forget Giada, Rachael and even Emeril had to get used to the camera and t.v. and there was a learning curve. There has been way too much negativity. The contestants are trying, find something positive to say to them.I want to continue watching and learning but your extremely judgemental attitudes above and beyond what seems to be the job is really turning me off and for that I am very sad.
Michael is good if a camera is not on him. That’s what a food show will be in front of —- A CAMERA. It’s time for Michael to go. PLEASE.
I can’t believe no one has commented about Micheals comment about “he could just make out” with Bobby Flay. I thought he was very intertaining until I heard that come out of his mouth.
Deb on July 5, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Deb,
Almost everyone was commenting on Michael’s comment over on Bob’s blog. Right now there are over 1700 posts on his blog from last week. This includes post from tonight’s show too as Bob’s new blog won’t go up until tomorrow.
Sorry, BUT do you really think Michael will ever beable to work in front of a camera?
luvcookin,
I have to disagree. Debbie did great this week. She had fun while connecting with the RR audience, and she cooked some good food. This show is not fixed. Debbie is doing great and thats why she has made it this far. My favorite is Melissa. She has a down to earth personality that us regular people can identify with, and I hope she wins!
Does anyone know if Debbie is Korean?
I just don’t know what you guys see in debbie i just dont see it. Im pulling for jefferey it is really hard cause there are only a couple of them that i feel like i would even watch on tv
I watch a number of cooking shows like NFN Star, Top Chef and Chopped and I think you need to bolster your brand of “NFN Star” as in the viewers mind they’re all starting to merge. Maybe more branding of Bobby Flay with the show will help differentiate it from the others.
I’m glad to see others feel there is something fake about Debbie also. Don’t you think it’s important for the person you choose to be REAL and true to self?
Melissa I just dont know about her she might could grow on me I dont know I like michael but i feel like he just won’t make it cause of his fear on tv
Wow, imagine if Teddy made it to week 5? He would do so awlful in front of the RR audience. He’d make everyone so uncomfortable, that the whole studion would fill with the sound of crickets. Good call judges!
why, why, why do you like Debbie?!?!
She needs to go home…she is not fun to watch and she likes herself way too much..most of us don’t
After reading the other comments, I had to write again. I agree that the contestants this year are just not quite up to snuff…how are they picked? again, dump Debbie!
I have to say that I TOTALLY agree with Donna Silva who commented on July 3rd on this post. Debbie had the nerve to question someone’s integrity in a subsequent show but she had no problem throwing the rest of her team under the bus when it came to the dessert in the first show. She was supposed to get the requested items at the market yet, when she messed that up, she didn’t even try to help salvage the situation. Not to mention lying about coming in UNDER budget. She also should be looking up while working in a kitchen, or at least say, “behind you”, as I’ve seen hundreds of times in shows with multiple cooks in the same kitchen. Also, I would really like to see Jeffrey AND Melissa win. I believe they could make a really good team on a show.
Melissa is about as fake as they come. Please don’t give us another blonde mommy telling us how to bribe kids into eating. I don’t have kids and don’t care about her bouncy, sunny attitude. I refuse to watch the Semi
Home Made show for the same sappy reason.
Also, please don’t give us another black momma who can only cook ONE THING…barbeque or southern style down-home food. It’s past time for Jamica to GO.Can’t stand the Neeley’s either.
I want to be elevated or inspried to prepare something more challenging than hot dogs and beans or chicken tenders. Every meal is not about rushing to the finish line. How about someone more along the lines of Julia Child or Jacques Pepin????
My vote for the final winner at this point is Debiie. I think Michael has a chance if he ignores the hex of the camera and just talks to the “audience” real or pretend. I have watched the chef-ograpgy show and realize that Giada had many camera jitters before she got started, so cut Micahel some slack as he has untapped potential and will appeal to a fresh audience.
Michael has admitted he’s in fear of the camera. I think he’s a good cook, but this week he was supposedly in his element with a live audience — and he froze. Please put him out of his misery and let him go home.
Oh and one more thing…when you give the winner a new show, could you please make it about actually cooking rather than another show where we go to restaurants around the country sampling someone elses food? I don’t like to eat exotic animal parts nor do I like to watch ANYONE eat on TV…..you could cut out the lip smacking parts of Rachael and Paula’s shows, too…A verbal and visual description is all we need to entice us to prepare the dish.
Kevin,
Debbie may have done okay this week, after all, she is Korean! WE KNOW! But I’m taking into account all the previous episodes too. Until tonight Debbie has lied, manipulated and thrown fellow contestants under the bus. One good week does make a person with integrity.
while i agree with the decision to send katy home, i don’t understand why you continue to allow someone to be a contender when they TELL you they have a fear of the camera. i’m thinking that a cooking show for tv will have quite a few of them around. michael hasn’t won me over yet. debbie has a way to go for me. jeffrey, melissa and jamika, for me, are the front runners
Suzy, Why save Michael who cannot handle being on camera? Not just this week but anytime there was a camera present he’s fallen apart. Cooking chops(though necessary) will only take a person so far when the object is to become a Food Network Star. Katie has had her problems but I think she could be taught to address the camera - it wasn’t that she couldn’t- she just didn’t and with a little direction that could have been fixed. Still pulling for Jeffrey and Melissa.
Who likes Debbie? In my circle of friends we do not agree with judges glowing comments.
I liked Katies nuitritional tips, like why she put raw veggies on dishs just so her children would try them and get the benefit of…I think you made a mistake tonight. As a mom I did not the clumsy clown w/red bangs
I’m new to this “The Next Food Network Star” site as of Episode 5, so forgive me if someone in the past has already asked this question: How are the contestants selected and/or vetted prior to the actual competition? I have to say that each year’s new group of contestants always comes as a disappointment, as if people were chosen for no particular reason other than they have to be good cooks. Easily half of each new group of contestants seem to be people who have not been vetted for how well their personality will translate on camera. Shouldn’t that be part of the elimination process in the first place, rather than painfully watching these contestants try to develop a “celebrity” persona during the actual competition? Guy Fieri instantly comes to mind. He had a personality and presence that never let him down, despite the judges expressing doubt that he would “fit in”. But he had “winner” written all over him, and a charm and charisma that we viewers just loved. And look how successful he’s become in the years since, an instant hit!
My comment is for the judge’s, I think you all act so superior to anybody on the show. I wouldn’t come before you. I would like to know who you think you are?
While I agree, Katie needed to go - the raw food issues demand it, I still am greatly bothered by Debbie. If you all have your mind made up that this dishonest woman is the winner, why not stop the show now, give her the show you apparently plan to give her. You and Bob’s fawning over her is sickening.
I agree with Donna, Debbie is not what she seems. I would like for her to be a proud American. If she can’t be than go to Korea, where she can relate to her class.
Michael is the BEST choice! As for his camera presence, look back at some of Giada’s first episodes….she was a deer in headlights…with the right direction she is now confident and relaxed…Michael has it - you just need to direct him
I like what I have seen so far with Melissa and Jeffery. There is no one else in the crew that keeps my attention. While Melissa may seem a little frantic at times, Jeffery, while knowledgeable and professionaal, may put the audience to sleep.
By the way, am I seeing things, or am I really seeing Debbie in some of the promos for Throwdown with Bobby Flay? Was she a Throwdown target in an earlier show?
John
Why do you all think everyone likes Michael? We don’t. He’s immature and unprofessional and does not have the personality for TV. And Jeffery is an obnoxious bore. Can he ever shut up?
Susie, why wasn’t there a winner announced for either challenge this week?
Susie,
I don’t understand why FN can’t have an average person teach us how to cook gourmet food. I love watching the shows but don’t know anything about what flavors compliment each other and how to perpare some foods. I am tired of the same old same old and would really love to learn something new. I think Jeffrey or Melissa could handle a beginner gourmet show!
I agree with Bobby about Katie with the yum-o presentation. I thought she did an excellent job and although she made mistakes last week, like you said she learned from them. Can you explain the reasoning for choosing Jamika over Katie?
Hi! The show is so entertaining and fun to watch. I like all the contestants. But I keep wondering–what happened to past winner Amy Finley? No show, nothing. The competition is so difficult and intense and Amy won her season and yet disappeared. What happened?
I love Melissa. FN Desperately needs a busy Mom show w/real food! I know you have Robin Miller but she is not appealing like Melissa,her food is not fun and she looks emaciated-like she never really eats anything herself! Michael has to go! His food looks ok but he does not look clean when he prepares it so, I would not want to eat it. He also seems like he is emotionally unstable. Debbie is repetitive and her food is boring. She would not keep me in front of the tv for an entire show. Jeffrey & Jamika are both pretty good.
I have been wondering, as many others have, why the time limits are so short in the competitions? When the winner receives his/her own show, editing will be more than available and time limits are not such an issue. Perhaps an hour or even longer would be appropriate? Real TV hosts often have the “beauty” dish they are working on and the real, final one already in the oven to be able to show the final product. I remember Emeril did this often on Emeril Live.
Great show so far this season, and looking forward to see who ends up winning!
Susie,
Please let us know what it is you see in Debbie. Did you watch the episodes and see how she manipulates people? Did you see how she chose horrible deserts then left them to others to be responsible for? Have you read any of the comments about how people will not watch Debbie if she wins? If there’s something to Debbie that we’re not seeing, please let us know what it is.
Hi Susie,
I know the show actually took place in January so all of this is moot as far as any constructive feedback is concerned. However, here are my thoughts as of the July 5th episode…
Debbie - For god’s sake lose the freaking Korean comments!! As Bob stated, she comes with that comment every time and the loyal fans of the show are probably getting tired of it. I know I am. She cooks Asian dishes, but only a FEW that had anything to do with Korea. I agree with the judge’s comments - quit telling me you are Korean and instead start telling what Korean cooking is. Personally, she hasn’t showed me much knowledge when it actually comes to the dishes. Applying soy sauce to sweet potatoes does not necessarily make it an Asian dish!! I love the way she was comfortable during the Rachel Ray show. I just wish she would educate me on Korean cooking if that is the niche she wants put herself into.
Michael- As with Eddie, I would cut my losses. Yes, I know he can cook and his food tastes great, but he can’t get past the camera issue. Given that this is a TV show and NOT a radio show, that is the kiss of death. Hell, sometimes he even chokes with the crowds. I say give him a white jacket and put him to work in the Food Network kitchens doing the prep for your shows. That way you can utilize his good cooking and he be as humorous as he wants which to me are his best assets.
Jamika - Jamika was really at a low point during this episode and had no confidence with anything she was doing. The only thing in her mind was the fact that she was going home. There was actually a look of surprise on her face when Katy was chosen instead of her. Jamika has a good quality about her and I really like her face/personality. Both are perfect for the camera, but she has to cure a whole bunch of other issues before you will see that. My only fear is that there might not be enough time in this challenge. So far, her creativeness seems to be spot on, but her food throughout the challenge has only seemed average. Every other contestant has had their ups and downs food-wise, but I think Jamika’s peaks and valleys have been more steeper. I haven’t seen much growth from her. Not as much as you would expect anyway.
Melissa - Speaking of growth, I have seen tons of growth coming from this girl. The comment was made that she really needs to slow down. My hope is that in trying to slow down, she does not swing too far to the other side and gets slows too much. I am liking her food too.
Based so far on things, I am thinking it will be a showdown between Melissa and Jeffrey for the finale.
Susie,
I have watched the show from day one. In past seasons, it seemed that many of the contestants did not have a clear idea on their style of cooking. I remember even in recent seasons, one or two were still uncertain at the half way mark. This season though, it seems that almost everyone arrived at the first episode with some idea in mind.
How would you account for that? Are the contestants getting more savvy now that he show has been on for a while now and they can see what is expected of them?
Thanks to you, Bob, Bobby, and the rest of the staff for a great show.
I’m a food network junkie. I’ve been watching the Next Food Network Star since the first season and Bobby Flay since he was awkward in front of the camera.
It’s 12:15am Pacific Time Sunday night. I landed in a hotel without Food Network on the TV (flew in from the East Coast). The content on the Food Network website gives me no clue on what happened tonight. So I have to go to bed without knowing who was cut.
First - can we PLEASE get more timely updates on the website to indicate what happened on the Sunday night show?
Second - I need help forming a grass roots movement to require hotels to indicate whether or not they have the Food Network available so I can make more informed decisions.
Third - Melissa rocks. Jeffrey too. Some glimmers of hope in the others (with exceptions).
Thanks for a great show.
susie, after I watched the 5th episode and heard your comments for debbie you have finally admitted that you are a fan of her needless to say our opinion is useless it seems your vote will be for Debbie because I did not hear any bad comment from you for Debbie, I agree with Bobby Flay that Debbie is always emphasizing that she is a Korean so what?? all I can say if she acted that way on her presentations She was just fake and plastic I mean not real. Jeffrey is the best and he is considerate to his co-finalists too and he is really delightful to watch on TV if you are really looking for a TRULY FN star he’s the best. If you make Debbie wins sorry to say nobody will watch her, maybe only you sussie betcha.
Have to agree with Chocolate….too much favoritism toward
Debbie….as a judge, shouldn’t you be impartial at least in front of the other contestants…you’re acting like your daughter is in the competition….you’re not particularly charismatic yourself.
I thought voting off Katie was a weird choice because Jamika was very quiet this Episode and a Food Network Star needs to be able to speak. Do you agree that keeping Katie on for maybe one more episode could have shown her more exciting side rather than another episode of boring Jamika?
Three questions: Why wasn’t there a winner in the challenges, why did you tell Debbie you were a fan, and if Michael is camera-phobic does the network really have the time to properly address that (I’m thinking of production costs if you have a star with a possible anxiety disorder).
Thanks for your time.
I loved the young boy judge, as did Bobby Flay. I’m talking a Yum-O Chopped with kid judges. I would so watch it! It would be refreshing, charming, reinforce Yum-O!!!!!!!! Some version of this thought IS a great idea. After I thought of this, I realized I have a grandson, age 11 & precocious, who wants to be a game show host. Just a thought.
WOW, what a week. What could you do? Katie finally brought something, but too late. The rest have “done good,” but not consistent. For the first time I’m thinking Melissa; she used to make me shake my head. Machael reminds me of Aaron McCargo… he just has to get there. Would he be great as a Yum-O Chopped host??? I love Jeffrey; I don’t know what you would do with him. I love Jamika, I still can see cooking island-style. I don’t see her relating to that. I would love to cook oriental. I see it has a health-friendly/ cultural way to eat. Debbie doesn’t send it. I guess we have to hope Melissa & Michael can get it together.
Sylvia Lineaweaver
Since the premise is to find the Next Food Network Star, has it ever been considered that not one of the remaining five fit that bill?
In the past, by now in the search, we the viewers would have several people to be hoping they would win. This year it appears we are hoping that no one wins. One contestant sees the camera as the devil, one is only Korean and at times annoying and not trustworthy, the mom is too emotional and thinned skin, Jamika has potential but can’t pull it together and the last person doesn’t seem to really be into Food Network form. Conclusion, no winner, no one to be for.
I’m a photographer, and have had the opportunity to photograph Guy Fieri on the road quite a bit. He connects to the audience and they to him. The excitement goes both ways. I appeared for a taping of URS, the audience connected and he right of way with us. Relaxed, in charge, knew exactly who he was.
I’m sorry to say, these finalists do not have what it takes. My prediction is they go away faster than the pet rock.
Sorry.
Hi, Susie, FN lost a little credibility with the discrepancies in the edited E5 compared to what is available on RR’s website. Was the editing to justify a foregone conclusion?
Dear Susie
Last week I told you that there were several of us at a party watching your show. This week I watched it alone with some hopeful thoughts of my own. Funny how my thoughts did not change from last week. If Debbie continues to be on each week, I doubt that I will continue to be there. She is a cheat and a liar. All she says is that she is Korean.. Well I am waiting for others to say just what they are. For instance, Michael could come out and say I am Jewish, and thats why I am who I am, Or perhaps Jeffrey saying the same thing. On the other side Jamika could say I am black and you have to understand my way of doing things, because that is who I am. I have not seen Debbie cook one thing strickly Korean. Has anyone else? Korean food has so many special spices and flavors, and most of all Korean people are not like Debbie. Most are embarassed each time she says this. These wonderful people are honest, shy, and would not put anyone “under the bus” the way Debbie does. Have you noticed that the group as a whole, has backed away from her for fear they will be next to “go under the bus”. Be scared, be very scared.
i thought katie was bringing back with a strong comeback. i did not agree, with their choice! i think michael needs to go, the judges are just keeping him on the show cause he’s gay. its really disapointing.he doesnt even have grreat experience.
IMO, there were two reasons for Jeffrey’s actions during the presentation. #1, dead air because Jamika was so sullen and #2, the constant harangue from the judges to open up. We really liked Jeffrey’s demeanor and it seems you are unfairly giving him a hard time. Defend this as you may but it is true. If you’ll read the blogs on Bob’s site & yours no one cares about the personal life of these people. This is a cooking program (network) not a test in interactive sensitivity. You never hear Flay or Brown (our favorites) drone on about their personal life. Ina (our other favorite) incorporates personal info subtly as to not be annoying.
You and Bob seem to constantly ignore how much Debbie is disliked by the public. Her actions to this point have been unforgivable. A manipulator, liar, very fake and … Oh yes, she’s Korean. Yes, an Asian based show might be just the ticket if it was hosted by someone we could stand to look at. Your admitted favoritism toward her is surprising. How can you overlook all of her actions?
As for Melissa, a viewer would need Valium to watch her. She’s getting worse. No peppers in her cooking? Give me a break. Please, no more Neeley types. Hopefully this is not a search for The Food Network’s most annoying new chef.
It’s too bad Michael has a problem with the camera. I have come to like him, oddly enough.
Just tellin’ it like it is.
A Nelms
PS….Every time I see a repeat of show 4, and hear Micheal’s comment about Bobby, it just burns my buns.
I thought it was terrible, as usual. I really like Jamika, don’t know what happened to her, but I think she would be the best choice. As for Debbie, if they don’t get rid of her soon, for same reasons Brett and the other, Tim? was it, goes, “under the bus” nonsense, as she is no better than they were, I am not watching it at all.
I really don’t understand why Debbie isn’t gone yet. She showed her true colors in the first episode. She wanted to be the team leader, and then used the position for her own gain. She disreguarded the other team members when she was shopping, and even though she made the decision for the lousy dessert, she refused to take ownership of it and put it off on the rest of the team to deal with. Her integrity is not there. She showed that to the audience. Then she threw Teddy under the bus for his integrity. He certainly deserved it, but she showed what a hypocrite she is. Then she got hit in the face with the pan by Micheal. It was her fault. She walked up behind him with no warning to let him know she as there. And she played it up for all it was worth. She didn’t know if she could finish. She was in great pain. Give me a break. She is the most back - stabbing, underhanded contestant on the show and if she wins I will not watch her show. It doesn’t matter how well she plays in front of the camera. She has no integrity.
My first blog. Ever. I swore I wasn’t going to get into this but here it goes.
I watch every Sunday with anticipation, to see what’s going to be the next challange. Knowing all along that the winner has been chosen. But I still enjoy watching. The last episode I thought Katie should have been given another chance. She did just as the judges asked and focused on combining the healthy with the taste. Jamika had two bad weeks, and Michael can’t relate to the camera. Michael should have gone. How long do you give him, and can he really overcome that fear?
Now that I got that off of my chest, all I see is the same old same old. Same food, prepared the same, by the same kinds of cooks. I want something diferant, like Low Carb and Loving It, with George Stella, or Good Eats, with Alton Brown, or Ellie Krieger. That;s what I want to see, there’s enough of the same old same old.
Jameka needs to go. Three weeks in a row she has been horrible. She needed to jump in. Yes Jeffery wouldnt shut up but she also needs to be a team player and is not doing it. I do not know if it is the show’s editing. But she comes across as snotty. Everything has to be her way. I would not watch a show with her in it. Please give her the boot. At least Katie had a warm personality when she showed it.
The only contestant whose show I would watch is Jeffrey. You don’t have to be Asian to cook Asian-Fusian dishes, and Debbie just isn’t appealing to watch. Michael is so insecure, he can’t even handle cameras; Melissa is just too manic for my taste; Jamika, is beautiful, and I wish she would get her confidence back, but I think she’s too fragile for TV. Jeffrey has the culinary experience, just not the TV experience. He’ll get there, and I would race home to watch his show or take my lunch hour during it.
My boyfriend and I are huge Food Network fans. We watch all the shows and are addicted to Alton, Bobby, Giada and the rest. Naturally, we are following the New Star show closely, and here’s what we think: Our vote it for Michael. He is quirky, entertaining, and a great chef. If he had his own show, we would watch every time. Our least favorite is Debbie. She seems very fake, and I agree with others in that she over uses “Korean”, that is something we can’t relate with, and I’m not sure how many other Food Network viewers could either.
I too get sick whenever I see Micheal’s display of who he is. I would never watch a show he had. The way he talks and shows how he feels being in front of the camera should be a clear indication on whether he should stay or go. This should be a big RED flag. Debbie keeps talking about who she is and she is becoming boring, so is Micheal.
Debbie is fakie and boring.
Jamika is not a leader, I think you would want someone who could lead.
Jeffrey would do much better if you would let him relax and be himself. You over-judge and over-push him.
Susie would be my choice when she slows down a little.
Hi Susie,
I have tried, but I just do not see the appeal of Debbie. Aside from her honesty issues and sneakiness, she is just not that engaging. I was SO glad Bobby called her out on saying she is Korean all the time. You say you are a fan, can you explain why? Lisa in Ohio
FRAN, it was a joke. Get over it.
Any Koreans in the house? Don’t you feel Debbie is misrepresenting your culture’s flavors and traditions?
It would appear that the panel is about 95% decided as to who will be the winner, already. It is almost predictable as to who will be next. My guess is either Jamica or Michael, but both will be gone in the next 2 weeks.
THANK YOU for getting rid of Katie! Everything about her was so annoying - her voice, her overbearing lectures about healthy food, and even her misplaced confidence that she is qualified for a cooking show. Puh-leeese! Her willingness to serve the hosts unsafe, undercooked food - in and of itself - should have disqualified her from the competition, but these other traits really establish her as someone I would never, EVER willingly watch on a cooking show.
i can totally relate to micheal’s fear of being on camera ….but what i would like to know is , what advice would you give him or anyone else that has this fear?
I thought that Jamika should have been off the show last week, and last night.
It is down to Melissa, Jeffrey, and Debbie. Melissa will be able to help out the family cook. Jeffrey will give confidence to the more adventurous cook. Debbie wants to put a Korean spin on EVERYTHING. Debbie is Southern and should be emphasizing how the two can compliment each other.
I am not Korean - I use garlic. I am not Korean, I use Soy Sauce. If I make cream sauces does that make me German or French?
The whole balance between - we like the way you look on screen - we don’t trust your culinary chops ying-yang is crazy.
Katie - hopefully you will get a second chance on food2. I would have watched you - you were speaking to the kids while you gave your demo.
I agree w/ the posts about Debbie going! She is manipulating, dishonest and seems content in being a ‘victim’. Love Jefferey & Melissa, but if it came down to the two I would have to go with Jefferey.
NFNS: Reality shows at its best, I must say! I normally don’t make comments of such but here are my two cents:
Katie: I understand the whole healthy eating thing but I think she forces it on me and I don’t like that. I hate to see anyone leave but it is a contest and someone had to go.
Melissa: She is bubbly, maybe too bubbly. But I think she is more like the stay at home moms who probably lead the population of FN watchers (like moi). I don’t think that I would ever try one of her recipes, though.
Debbie: Is she Korean? (just kidding). She continues to say that over and over but does it matter in judging? Also, I personally think she is sort of like a mole and maybe planted by the producers. She seems more like an actress to me.
Michael: What’s this thing he has about not judging anyone. I thought this was a contest and judging was to be expected. He would probably be a good host on a cooking show on a network similar to Bravo.
Jamicka: I do believe she is giving up too soon, and I wish she wouldn’t. I would like to see maybe her and Melissa do a show together comparing family style with single (if Jamicka is single) working woman style.
Jeffrey: I think I could watch him for 30 minutes. If for some reason he doesn’t make it, I still would like for his recipes to be posted some where. I’ve got a feeling he is an excellent cook.
Good luck to all the finalist at this point!
Lori -
Low carb show has ‘been done’ ans well as the ’spa food’ route. There has to be some balance between spend forever cooking and turn and serve foods. The key to great dishes are great sauces - you can see Bobby working on his sauces during Iron Chef -
Nobody is hitting a home run right now - Melissa and Jeffrey in the Finals.
I am disappointed about your decision to send Katie home. Although I understand it. I think you really need some healthy cooking shows on there. And I think it is good that you recognized her progress. But I guess she still had some trouble with getting good flavors. A chef should be able to make consistently yummy dishes if people are going to try them at home and get turned onto healthy stuff. I didn’t have a problem at all with her presentations though. I thought she sounded great.
Even though Jamika wasn’t as smiley as usual, she still put in that interesting cultural bit about one of the dishes, I don’t remember what it was called. I’d like to see more, and am very interested in her knowledge about that kind of thing.
I still love Michael. He is a great cook, and I know he fumbles in front of the camera, but I really think that once he gets used to it, he’ll figure it out. No one could replace his sense of humor, no one. “The depths of hell…” Wow, he’s really honest and funny about his problems, and don’t forget that the camera was rolling when he said that. He just needs to figure out how to be like that when there are more of them (cameras). I would totally watch his show, in fact I would record his show to watch if I wasn’t going to be at home.
I think it is worth mentioning that Jeffrey, while he was kind of frenetic, did do exactly what you asked last time and shared more, and got rid of the Zen evenness. Now he just needs to figure out how to turn the mental faucet on without being a firehose. I really like him too.
Honestly, the only one I really don’t like is Debbie. I know she is your favorite, but I just don’t see it. I think Bobby Flay is right, that while she keeps impressing on us that she is Korean, I don’t see any of the things that this means to her, or that we should understand from it. I also don’t get a genuine feel from her personality at all. No matter how cool and charming she seems on camera, she feels contrived to me. I’d love a show on Asian cooking, but I wouldn’t watch her.
This may be a silly question but since there cameras all around everyday on these contestants and they are filmng a television show. Why do you suppose Michael is having such a hard time adjusting to a camera? When he had an audience in front of him on the Intrepid they were filming then. Is is really that different? Thanks.
There must have been one hell of a blow up between Lisa Garzan and FN - they don’t even list her name from last years contestants.
I would watch a show with Melissa or Michael. The stay at home mom thing I think would appeal to many who are stay at home and cook on yes a budget. I watch FN all day and yet really only tune in when Paula D and a few others are on. Michael will get over his camera thing it will just take a little time.
I also like Jeffery and Jamika and would probably watch them as well but not Debbie.
of the 5 left - Debbie has teh on air persona - but I just cannot warm up to her. I believe with a little coaching Jeffrey could do ok; but I do not see any of these lasting.
i agree with u on katie going home u cannot serve raw food i know she tried but. and as for micheal he is a great chef but the camera demions is not going to get any better for him. but melissa is so great i love watching her cook and just the way she grabs ur attention when she talks. debbie just seems to be a fake. to many lies
Susie-
I have enjoyed the DRAMA on this season’s NFNS!! The lies, intrigue, and deception are just overwhelming. But what I love the most is how you have shown all your cards this season.
I think it was wonderful how you said on the fifth episode, with four more contestants to eliminate, that you are Debbie’s fan! I mean, what a way to take the wind out of everyone’s sail!!
So what will Debbie’s show be called? Debbie’s Pass(port) - Korean in a jar.
Jeffrey by far seems to be my choice for the winner! He is very charming and relatable and I doubt lobster and blueberries should even be paired together ever in one dish!! Debbie unfortunately abuses her ethnic status and seems very devious! She has yet to show any likeable qualities. Jameka..poor girl! She is very bubbly but can’t quite pull it off and Michael….can anyone say ADD!! He is better off owning his own restaurant than being in the spotlight. He is overly energetic but can’t relate to his audience! Melissa, albeit relatable, is too high-strung and talks a mile-a-minute! No thanks! My vote goes to Jeffrey for sure! He is calm, engaging, interesting, and not trying to showboat like the others!
I don’t know about anyone else, but the only contestant that I could envision watching a show regularly is Jeffrey. Jamika and Debbie are one-note singers and Jamika has fallen twice on her food. Debbie is just plain annoying and flat. Melissa reminds me of Amy Findlay - The Gourmet Next Door and I watched one episode of it and never watched again. Micheal is kind of like an Adam Gertler - he would do better on a show like Will Work For Food or something of that nature (He might not go in for working, though!) I cannot understand the love Debbie gets for being even, monotone, and telling the same story over and over, when Jeffrey gets reamed for doing the same thing.
I don’t think the panel has pre-selected a contestant. Think about the ones that have gone - they pretty much were the ones to have gone. I do think where this comes from is any favortism shown towards Debbie, clearly a very unpopular choice. I have to say I can’t stand to watch Debbie either and will be more than disappointed. She totally lost me after episode one and has continued to be annoying each episode.
As stated before I have been watching food network for years. I love Rachael, Giada,Ina and a lot of the others that teach us cooks how to make new and different dishes. The people you picked for the last two Food Network Stars are the worst. I would never watch any of their shows. Please give us loyal viewers some new real cooking shows with people that want to cook not be stars and be the everyday Mom like Melissa with boring food. Lets have some Chinese, Thai or maybe Indian food. Someone like Rachael or Giada in this role.
Thanks for taking the time to read my comments.
Susie,
Why did you pick Katie to go home over Jamika? I thought Katie did much better this week than Jamkia, Jamika just stood around a lot. And why did you say you were a fan of Debbie? Obviously a lot of people aren’t fans of her. I don’t know if she could keep a show because of lack of viewers.
I have been reading about some folks’ problem with Michael’s comment about “making out with Bobby”. As long as Bobby Flay didn’t have a problem with it, neither should anyone else. First of all, I think it was meant as a figure of speech. And even if it wasn’t, well, Michael’s a queen, what did people expect. That much is obvious from the minute he opens his mouth. It’s part of what makes him funny and interesting. I had my young kid watching when he said that, and I had no trouble explaining it, and she just took it in stride and went on watching. This is the Food Network, not the military. I hope that you do not let people’s current politically-motivated intolerance affect your decisions.
I LOVE the show! First let me say that I like Michael but I watch with my young daughter and hate trying to explain all of his “comments” to her. He needs to tone that down a bit, not all of us watching need details. Debbie makes me grit my teeth, she is so manipulative. First,she shorted team mates ingredients to make her own, then she caused her own accident, then cried over beign accused of not being truthful…blah, blah, blah. Jameeka is cute and I like her, but she has issues. I don’t want to watch someone cook with issues. I have issues, I don’t feel concern for my food network star.
I really like Melissa. I’m a mom, with young kids and lots of them. I want to watch people like me who don’t have a lot of time or money and I want them to help me with tips. I’ve already gotten a few tips from her and I would watch her every week! No comment on Jeffery.
Katie was the right one to go. She doesn’t have the right stuff to be a food network star. I love all your stars ecept Elie and Robin who seem to care only about healthy eating.
At this point I don’t like or support any of the finalists.
Last night, July 5th, Jamika acted like a spoiled 5 year old. She didn’t get her way so she wasn’t going to play. The judges only picked the “worst of the worst” to leave the show. I would have voted for two people but I know the network has committed to x number of shows and doesn’t want to end it early from a commercial standpoint.
I can understand Jeffrey’s actions as he was trying to cover all bases in a sort of panic because Jamika had shut herself down. However, his efforts caused a not-so-laid- back (or likable) side of his personality to emerge.
Debbie is just annoying and, in my opinion, embarassing. On the surface, Michael is likable but can’t seem to access his inner strength. Melissa is okay but is just way too hyper. I keep the Food Network on all day Saturday and Sunday, my days off, because I find most of the shows soothing and often educational. I think Melissa would make me want to go back to work just to relax.
As of last night, I give up, I’m not going to watch any more of the shows, because I no longer care who is the successful candidate, which surprises me because I do enjoy most of the challenge type shows on this network.
The overt prejudices of the judges and the “guest” network stars tells me the winner was picked before the first show was filmed. This particular challenge is a prime example of why I hate “reality” TV shows. So called “reality” TV is anything BUT real. Most of it is contrived and manipulated and simply not enjoyable.
Susie - as a big fan, I really want to know what is the bottom line - the big personality or the ability to transfer the skills to us at home? Michael has the personality, but if he is freaking out about judgement coming from the camera, why is he here? Jamika seems sweet, but the poor me syndrome is lame. You asked for this opportunity, go for it! The anti-Melissa comments make me chuckle - we are never far from the anti-cheerleader high school attitudes are we? She may be the all-American Girl, but I can watch her, and learn from her. Her rotor-rooter speed can be worked on, but at least she’s not condescending like Debbie. Jeffrey is charming, but the skill part is a question. To me, this is an easier season to judge…but I still wouldn’t want your job!
I too am getting tired of “because I’m korean” for all of Debbie’s presentations. I’m korean-american and I have yet to see how she is infusing her “korean” point of view into her cooking. Soy sauce does not equal korean! Very disappointing as I was excited at first to see a korean with a southern take on cooking.
Susie,
Aren’t you enabling Michaels’s self-destructive behaviour by allowing him to remain?
He stated early on that he doesn’t rehearse or prepare for the on-camera presentations. And how’s that been working for him so far…? He now knows that the ’spontaneous’ approach leads to disaster yet he still refuses to plan his remarks. He sabotages himself.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Michael’s sense of humor. But let’s face it, he’s just not willing to do his homework. The judges say he’s a good chef… I don’t know; I haven’t learned a thing about FOOD from him. Isn’t it time to say good-bye?
Speaking of food, why have you stifled Jeffrey’s beautiful descriptions of his creations? This is why I watch the FN — to learn about food. He’s a lovely man with an obvious passion.
Finally, I’d like to chime in with a word of support for Debbie. I love the idea of Southern cooking with an Asian accent. She was not trained in Korean cooking (she introduced herself by saying she doesn’t know how to make kim chee!) but her brand of fusion sounds intriguing. I would love to learn more about Korean specifically, ie, what flavors and ingredients does it have in common with Thai, or Chinese? What flavor profiles are unique to Korea? If she could impart these things, she would have a terrific show.
Thank you.
Susie,
I was wondering if you could comment on what footage the judges get to see when making decisions on each episode. Unlike you, I’m not a fan of Debbie (though I’m a huge fan or Korean food and would love to see a FN show on it), but the reason why viewers may be reacting so poorly to her is footage the judges may or may not have watched. Her ironic comments about Teddy’s trustworthiness after her behavior in episode 1, as well as her general cutthroat appearance overall, except during challenges may have contributed to this impression.
Thanks for running a great show.
I feel bad for Katie, even though I haven’t watched the latest episode when she gets sent home. I knew she had to be next. Once Teddy, Eddie and Brett were gone, it was a no-brainer. I like Michael - he has the chops and the personality to carry a show. I like Melissa as well but feel her demographic is overly represented on the Food Network right now. I do think it will come down to Michael and Melissa.
My head spins whenever Melissa does her presentations - so over active. She has not toned down since the beginning. Won’t watch her is she has her own show. As for Michael, I refuse to use the gay issue as an excuse to dislike him. Michael has personality and cooks up some great and creative dishes. Fear of the cameras? Well, I think that was Aaron’s problem last year. He overcame it though. Aaron’s show is great now and he conquered the fear.
Katie is gone - thanks goodness. Food under cooked or over cooked. She didn’t seem to be real.
I don’t know what is happening with Jamika, quite a change with her. I enjoy her personality but overly cautious.
Jeffrey may have some experience but he is also going down hill. Maybe these two are trying too hard.
Debbie - I don’t trust and sorry that the panel is showing favoritism toward her.
By the way, am I missing something here? We ask questions but no answers?
I think it is unfair to judge these people if the burners are not working correctly and food cannot get done. Is this a challenge you put before them? If so, that is not fair!
I’d like to take a moment to give my read on each of the finalists. To be the “Next Food Network Star”, I think that the winner has to have three real qualifications:
1 - They have to know food inside and out. Whoever wins needs to be able to speak with authority and be able to stand on a kitchen stage with Bobby, Alton, Mario, or Ina and not embarass themselves.
2 - They have to be able to present the food. And when they’re done presenting, the audience needs to have learned something.
3 - They have to be entertaining. The winner can know everything there is to know about food and can teach, but if it isn’t fun I might as well be listening to the “mwah mwah mwah” of Charlie Brown’s teacher. Can they hang out with Guy, Rachael, or Paula on camera and have fun with it?
So how do the contestants fare?
Jamika - She seems to know a relatively small facet of cooking styles and is very uncomfortable when forced out of her niche. She does ok at presenting and seems to me to be somewhat hit or miss. When she’s “on” she’s fine, but when she’s uncomfortable she bombs completely. And having watched the full 5 minute RR clip, I think she did fine there but was having difficulty finding her way in to present while Debbie ran over her. C
Debbie - As I understand it, she wants to do a show entitled “Seoul to Soul”. And at this point, even Bobby noticed that she’s Korean. But what about her Southern side? I haven’t seen one thing that made me think she knows anything about Southern cooking and calling garlic “Korean” makes me question her Asian “chops”. She’s a very friendly presenter and an acceptible although not impressive entertainer. C+
Jeffrey - Another chef with a narrow understanding of food. So far it seems that if it doesn’t have “sweet heat” then Jeffrey doesn’t have a clue what to do with it. Very hit or miss on presenting and entertaining, like Jamika he’s either doing well or doing exceptionally poorly. C-
Melissa - She seems to have a “workmanlike” understanding of food but at least this puts her a level above the three previously mentioned contestants. Her TV presence ranges from energetic to manic and it’s at the manic end that she completely loses me. She nearly has a meltdown on RR as she goes into a 3 minute spiel without a pause for breath and then runs over Michael has he tries to present the preparation of his tomato soup. B
Michael - Definitely the best understanding of many styles of cuisine and how to prepare them… in fact the only contestant so far to not receive complaints about the quality of his food… To the point that the judges now comment when eating his dishes that it’s “excellent as always”. And he’s definitely an entertainer without a doubt. His issue is in dealing with the camera. But if we can see that Melissa would do best doing a show wrapped around cooking for the family or Jeffrey doing a show on Latin-inspired cuisine, can’t Michael do a show with an in-studio audience (even if it’s just a small gathering of 2-8 people) which would play to his strengths? B+
Also, I have to include one more comment about Michael… I think he’s caught in a catch-22. The judges press each week for the contestants to make their food personal, to include stories about themselves. For Melissa and Jeffrey that means talking about their kids. For Jamika it’s her husband. What should Michael do? Mention his partner (if he has one) or dishes he has made while dating? And how many will then blast him for daring to mention his sexuality? And in regards to “I’m so happy I could make out with Bobby” please keep in mind that while he may have said it, it’s the producers who decided to play it over and over. If they didn’t like the comment, they could have edited it out without a problem.
I thought jamika was excellent last night on Rachel Ray. Jeffery was a bullheaded mr. know it all white man! She was smart to keep quiet. He showed how stupid and not a team player looks like.
i wonder how you put up with some of these people.
This is so fun! Do you suppose the judges ever read our postings and get a chuckle from their success at jerking our chains? What impresses me more and more is the acting ability of the “contestants”. I hope they are having fun with how they have confused us. Congratulations to the script writers and director. The pathos and suspense are a hoot!
Oh Suzie,
It just seems to me that none of the final remaining candidates have what it takes to be on the Food Network. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that I probably wouldn’t watch any of them if they had their own show. My question for you is this….How can you possibly take any of them serious in this show when it seems like they all have some aversion to the camera. Maybe this is more of a reality show than a culinary competition. Is that the idea? to place mediocre chefs in front of a camera to see how uncomfortable it will be.
I’ve been watching since the beginning and just don’t see how FN came up with these people as the finalists. Maybe I’m being too harsh on them but, just like Bobby said, Nobody’s grabbing it. I don’t even think any of them WANT to grab it. Anyways, I love you and all of the judges, but you need to tell them to be serious with themselves and SHOW US SOMETHING! Thank you for your time, Matt.
P.S. Bobby, Absolutely fantastic job on Iron Chef America last night. Bananas! Terrible Idea for a secret ingredient for two southwestern style chefs, but congratulations on your victory.
I don’t think that Jeffrey stole Jamika’s thunder; she gave it to him. It can be tough to jump in a conversation, without being rude, when someone is talking as fast as Jeffrey was on the show last evening; however, she should have had a plan to talk about the dish she prepared. If you look back on the beginning of their time together in the store, this team was doomed from the beginning. Jamika was not feeling good about the way the dishes were prepared. She was just not in this show last evening. I am, however, glad that she will go on to the next round. I believe that the judges saw what was going on with this team and gave them both another change. I agree on the choice the judges made letting Katie go. She was just not going to make it with the healthy thing. Lowfat cheese in Mac/Cheese. No way. The first time I saw her and she used the word “antioxidants” in her presentation, I knew then she was not going to make it. Who wants to know about antioxidants when eating “good” food. I like Debbie. I like her smile. I will say that she doesn’t have to tell us she is Korean again. By the way, when she uses certain spices in her food, she mentions that she is Korean. Americans use the same spices (garlic, etc.). If she is going to tell us that she is using a spice because it is used mostly in Korean dishes, then she should tell us more about the spice. I love this show.
I’m so glad Miss healthy is gone, and she wondered why?? Debbie, enough with the Korean thing, we know already. As for Jeffrey I think he did what he had to do and if Jamika wanted to come in, wel she could of at anytime, the problem was because she’s not first in everything she thinks she’s last. Michael, I really like him and his food, but he has to get a hold of himself at some point, or he will be gone. My favorite, Melissa, I think she is funny and has good recipes, plus good comments and tips. If she can just slow down and relax, she would be a joy to watch.
i just wanna say that the remaining contestants performing the challenge on the rachael ray show was awesome - i especially like Jeffrey & Jamika - a whole lot of consistency - the main thing i ask is that Jamika smiles more - i love her - i wouldnt mind her cooking for me. my favorites are Jamika, Jeffrey, Melissa and Debbie - congratulations to the remaining members - i just know it in my heart that one of my 4 favorites will win despite the rudeness of the female judge - very feisty - should cook for the Bouquet (Bucket) woman (Keeping Up Appearances). that judge trying to be perfect so that will be a good match
again i love the show and Bobby Flay (awesome) - on a scale of 1-10, the other two are rated a 5-6.
they better be careful about what they say.
I don’t see any of these contestants as a network star, I watch all the cooking shows and I really don’t see the personality of any of these to modestly compare with what you have now. Debbie makes fake presentations, Michael is in another worl, teven needs to get of the family kick all the time, Jamika would never hold up and Kim is a cut throat. Great show, bad contestants.
Jeffery is by far the only one that could
hold my attention. I have watched the foodnet work shows for years and love them. Ina is my favorite. Paula Deen used to be good, but she is getting on my nerves lately. Too silly!!!I have all of the cookbooks by the foodnetwork chefs, so you know I like them. This years next star is really lacking in talent. Only Jeffrey seems to have it together. Michael is not pleasing to watch with that red hair. I agree with
some of the other comments on Melissa. She would be hard to watch for 30 minutes.
Susie, I have to wonder about Michael. If he is so scared of the camera then how is is doing the show, since it’s all being taped. Cameras are everywhere so I believe that his fear of cameras is Bull crap!! I am glad to see the ones you chose to leave went but what does all these timed assignments have to do with a cooking show since we all know that there are takes and re-takes. Also I like Melissa , Michael and Jeffrey. I don’t like Debbie, would not watch her if she whens, and I don’t like Jamika. I watched last season and was happy that Big Daddy one but now that I watched his shows I am NOT impressed and have not used any of his recipes. I feel very disappointed in him. It’s Like everything he says is forced by him to say it. I have been a fan of the food Network for 16 years and have seen some good chefs leave but I think for next season maybe you should do things different then you have benn doing them. I am a cook and have catered a couple of occasions and I get a lot of ideas from the food network, I have even considered appling for a chance to be a contestant but when I watch the season and see the challenges you put them through I am glad I am watching. Not that someday I might try though!!!!
Thank you,
Kathleen Bergstrom
P.S My favorite is Guy!!!!
I have watched each episode and love this show! This is the ONLY “reality show” I watch.
I am wondering the same thing as Michael Strauss as far as what footage the judges see. I am not a fan of Debbie nor could I ever be. She not only threw her teammates under the bus but backed up and ran over them! Then had the nerve to tell Teddy “no one wanted to work with him because he couldn’t be trusted”. I don’t know about anyone else but it didn’t exactly look like the other contestants agreed with her and she should have been called out for that remark. How dare she after what she did to her teammates! I am sick of hearing her comment on the fact she is Korean…and I am glad that Bobby FINALLY told her. By the way anyone that has worked in a restaurant always knows to yell “behind” in the kitchen. Michael really wasn’t at fault when Debbie got hit and she REALLY played that up trying to get the sympathy vote?? Won’t get mine! I just don’t think I would ever watch her if she were to win this season.
You have some great contestants and I enjoy watching them progress. Melissa is really cute but she’s a little “too much”. I’ve heard the comments about how she “invented” some dishes. These are dished I have made for my family and I didn’t get the recipes from her. There are other tips she has offered which have been good though and I will certainly try them.
I love watching Michael but he really has trouble with the camera…when he relaxes he does great!
Jamika is ok…I felt bad for her when she just stood there on the Rachel Ray show…it looked like she was not interested in this challenge at all…and I have to say they got the hardest food choices for this one…I really felt that Jeffrey was trying to pick up the slack and afterward he was still trying to lift her spirits. My husband and I felt they should not have been paired up to start with.
We really hope Jeffrey wins this season. He has the personality and skills and we would definately watch if he had his own show.
Thanks for letting us comment!
Beverly, here’s how I taught myself to cook. Maybe this will help. Take your spices and open them up on the counter. Even your cinnamon and nutmeggy stuff. When you’re making something, take a bite, with the food in your mouth, start smelling your spices. Your nose will tell you what goes and what doesn’t. And it’s fun:):):)
As far as Michael goes…I just love him, BUT can’t get passed the comment. I’ve had a LOT of gay friends over the years, NONE of which would say something like that on national television. I was so embarrassed for Bobby. He needs to apologize to Bobby before I can give him my support again. He is totally entertaining, and DOES need to get over his fear of the camera. But still, that comment was too twisted for color TV.
Debbie has got me in a quandary. There’s a part of her I really like, and she does have chops, (you know, being Korean and all) but I still can get over the whole shopping/angel food cake thing, nor can I get over how she treated Teddy. Get all the help with “Their” dish, and then at the end say Aren’t you supposed to get YOUR dessert done”. Yes, Teddy needed to go, but that was still mean.
And I’m sorry guys, I DO support Melissa. If for no other reason than here’s a stay at home mom actually getting a shot a greatness for the first time in her life, and she CAN cook. And she’s on of the ONLY one’s who hasn’t taken a cheap shot at anyone, and I DO think she it truly genuine.
As I said before, I would watch Jeffrey on his own show. I also am addicted to FN.
Jamika, I just really really like her. She’s also got chops. And I really do think by them making the right decision to send Katy home, that it’ll give her new found confidence again. (yea, Katy was cute, but shoved the “healthy” crap down EVERY BODY’S throat)
And last, but not least, and a little off track…am I the only one who absolutely adores Anne Burrell? To me, she is by far THE most entertaining person on FN. More Anne Burrell, More Anne Burrell! :):):):) Sorry, I had to throw that in:)
Katie seemed like a nice, sincere person. Unfortunately, I don’t think she’d have been a regular on my viewing schedule, and I’m sorry to say I’m not getting the same vibe as the judges on Debbie at all, again nice, but something’s missing. Michael knows food and would have much to share with his cooking and humor. Wish some would take a step back and see him as a chef instead of a gay chef. As for the collision of these two in the kitchen – it was an accident people! Re-watch the video - all either of them was thinking about was their food, period.
Jamica is a beautiful woman and a talent, I have no doubt. I was sorry to see that her demise last night was self inflicted. It seemed to stem from her own feeling that cooking with Jeffrey would ruin her. That really surprised me. She’s good with or without someone else, but she got herself in such a funk that she stopped trying almost from the moment they announced she’d pair with Jeffrey. It was sad to watch. Jeff was just as uncomfortable pairing with her, but he pulled off a good “The Show Must Go On”, attitude. Nothing said or done by anyone else prevented Jamica from stepping up and flashing that winning smile, making a comment or even picking up a utensil, except her. Yes, Jeffrey talked a lot, but he also had a lot of dead air to fill while Jamica stood sadly looking down at the counter in the defeat she imagined. That was really too bad.
I think Jeffrey would be enjoyable to watch routinely. I don’t think talking about his kids is a negative. It works great for Paula Deen. Mentions of nieces, nephews, sister & brother add a personal touch for Sandra Lee, Ina’s husband, Jeffrey, gets mentioned a lot, and so on. It makes these people real to us.
There are several contestants I like, but I think the one I’d actually tune in to (at least to this point) is Jeffrey. Neither he, nor his food, is fake or complicated. He seems approachable and his food seems doable. What I would like from everyone is a bit more teaching. We, the viewers, expect more than “You’re gonna love this dish” or “You can throw this together in no time”, sort of things. Recipes on the Internet are great, but hearing why we will like it or what makes it easy, is a whole lot better?
Please make me like Michael Proietti. To me he looks dirty, his cloths look dirty, and all of the stuff on his body I dont like and it does not reflect the food network. I will watch if he wins.Betty
Sorry, I will NOT watch if he wins. Betty
Please make me like Michael Proietti. To me he looks dirty, his cloths look dirty, and all of the stuff on his body I dont like and it does not reflect the food network. I will not watch if he wins.Betty
THis is the only show like this I watch. I DVR Sandra Lee. So I hope they keep doing this.
What is with Debbie and her “I’m Korean” every time she opens her mouth? Maybe she can cook, but I would never watch her, she is too annoying!!
in general I think the food network has lost its calling and panache. many of us who watch with much regularity could easily critique plenty of the current “stars”. I often figure that there is something for everyone. Many of the best have their good sides and we could easily hone in on the bad.
There still is no clear outlier…which perhaps is good. Likely Debbie should go, I agree with most posts. Melissa seems quite good but I agree that she is over the top perky, hyper, not quite as sing-song as Sandra Lee nor as boring as Robin Miller.
Michael is good but of a concern. absolutely, many of the current stars were camera shy in the beginning. Jamika could have quite a nice show I believe. she was, though, clearly flat on the last show.
My vote from the beginning was and still is Jeffrey. I like the delivery, it seems sincere, and I think we need a grown-up chef without an angle.
I often shake my head wondering which bone-heads are running the funny farm now. As mentioned at the beginning the network could become a casualty of their fame, success, reciting the same lies to each other as other shows. Someone could easily take their place.
Susie, There is something wrong with the nfns, Michael and his fear of cameras, He is being taped the whole time. Is everyone there lost or something. I am glad to see Katie gone, you can send Debbie and Jamika home soon. I’d rather see Jeffrey or Melissa become the next star. And please don’t make a show like semi homemade. I like Sandra Lee but I am sick about hearing anout her nieces and nephews, I just turn the channel when she comes on. I don’t Like Giada either I find her very snobbish. I love Guy and sometimes like Tyler. I like Bobby flay whenhe is doing the throw dons but his cooking is way out in left field for me, Can’t do spicy. When will the you be choosing contestants for the next season? Thank you
KGB
I really like Michael (though I don’t think that he’s going to be able to overcome his fear of the camera in time to save himself) and Jamika (even though I’m afraid she’s not going to be able to come out of her shell in time to save herself from getting chopped) but I. Cannot. Stand. Debbie.
My question is this: What is it about Debbie that you guys like? I’m being completely serious - I would really like you to expound on this a little more. I’ve seen what’s been said before that she has a great personality, that people really like her, etc. etc. but I honestly don’t see it. I’d like some specifics. Bobby FINALLY called her out on her “I’m Korean, I’m Korean, hey guys, did you know I’m Korean?” I mean, GOD - I’m Mexican and I don’t feel the need to shout it out to everyone every ten seconds just to remind them in case they forgot or just didn’t notice. Plus, as skypark pointed out - for someone who’s TRADING on their azn-ness, she doesn’t seem to have a very broad grasp of Asian culinary arts. There’s a WHOLE LOT MORE to Asian food than peanut sauce, soy and ginger. And I honestly don’t see how garlic could possibly segue into a “because I’m Korean” aside. Garlic is one of those ingredients like onions or chicken - people use them everywhere!
Apart from that, I agree with the other posters who commented on her lack of integrity. From the first episode on, she’s had MAJOR honesty issues. And while your previous comment that in the first episode she wasn’t being dishonest to be malicious might be technically true, it still doesn’t change the fact that she lied and tried to throw her whole TEAM under the bus to cover for her mistake. The whole boo-hoo for me debacle on the Intrepid was also pretty mystifying; she should have called “behind” when she was behind Michael - no way around it. But you guys didn’t even address that on the show (to be fair, you did admit that in the vlog, but that’s not going to reach the whole audience of the show). Debbie’s “warmth” and “charm” to me just seem fake; I find it hard to believe that someone that dishonest is being truly genuine.
In short, it just seems to me that you guys have a LOT vested in Debbie and I’d really like to know why because I’m not seeing it. FN needs more stars of color and DEFINITELY someone who can cook Asian food, (and not throw some ginger and soy sauce on a burger and call it asian-fusion) but Debbie’s not that person.
I’ve usually enjoyed watching the Next Food Network Star but this set of wannabes are really boring. Watching Melissa & the “Korean” lady blab their way thru the Rachel Ray episode was really irritating. Both are self-centered, non-team players with little regard for the other candidates. Self righteousness does not make for a pleasant show. Michael is the only one who’s real and a joy to watch.
It really looks like the judges are favoring Debbie. You come down harder on the others and take Debbie’s faults lightly. Please don’t pull another Aaron McFargo on us. His show is horrible.
I think that Jamika or Debbie or Melissa should be the finalist. Jeffrey absolutely went Balistic on RR and Michael just looks dirty not someone I would tune in to see at all. Jamika had a bad week. She speaks well and has a personna I could relate to as does Debbie who has a calming effect. Melissa is a ray of sunshine and I love her culinary POV
Am I one of the few viewers who long for another Ina or Michael C. to watch….someone to inspire us with innovative ideas and pleasant personalities? Do we need another frantic blond like Melissa? Oh please…..FN viewers want to watch something more interesting than another home cook. I think she would go the way of Amy Findley. The only one who I think who could appeal to both daytime and evening audiences is Jeffery. Hope he develops…
A very serious question
Did you know ahead of time that the Rachel Ray eppisode would air 5 days BEFORE you aired the same eppisode on Sunday evening???
Although it gave us all something new to watch mid-week, it spoiled it for the Sunday eppisode?
Just curious.
My kids want to make the dishes from the challenge. Where can we find the recipes?
Hi Susie,
Just curious what you think about the “Armchair Judge” Adam Gertler’s, posts…I think they are hilarious, he is too funny!!!
Both Jeffrey and Jamika exhibited areas of concern; Jamika’s probably the area hardest to correct. Jeffrey was either unable or unwilliling to draw Jamika out when she shut down. Rachel Ray excels at this and adds a comfort level to watching her shows. If Jamika can’t or won’t learn to perform under pressure, she has no future in television. At this point if there are frontrunners, they seem to be Melissa and Debby. I hope that it is Melissa - Her cooking reminds me a bit of Sara Molton. However, one of Sara’s strengths was her “cool under fire. Melissa shows stress very easily. Frankly, I am a bit bored with Debby. She started out cooking well and being “bubbly.” I think over the long haul she might fizz.
Seems as though you have already chosen Debbie your winner. She is awful. Are you choosing new winners & shows simply on race/ethnic.. neely’s, aaron, now Debbie. Done with food network!
This is the first season of The Next FN Star that I really don’t like any of the contestants. I will continue to watch and see if one of them grows into someone I could watch.
I totally agree with donna silva’s post of July 3. To me, the judges are overly fond of Debbie. I don’t see what they see. Michael or Jeffrey have the best potential to me - if they can overcome problems with the camera!
With a good producer like Gordon Elliot Michael, Jeffery and Jamika all have the potential to shine. All of them seem to have the cooking chops. Michaels bumbeling is charming and his food looks fantastic! He reminds me of Arron McC last season. I could watch Jeffery forever and Jamika is very pleasent. Debbie on the other hand lost all credibility right off the bat. She lies and manipulates and if her bump was so awful why dont we still see a bit of it? Make-up doesn’t cover swelling. Melissa; what can I say. We already watch one show on FN that verges on the frantic (Rachel)Time to get Debbie out of there and do a challenge with either Guy or Elliot producing segments for a challenge. Then you will have a real contest on again.
Why did you edit the Rachael Ray footage to make everyone else EXCEPT Debbie look bad? This is so biased towards Debbie it isn’t funny.
I have been watching the Next Food Network Star and like all the other posters have noted a disturbing trend. Overriding favouritism for Debbie and a waspish hatred of the other contestants. It’s as if you and Bob take great pleasure in eroding the self esteem of you likely candidates. In last nights episode you made the chefs prepare children food for adults. And you gave Debbie Macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers. That is like the simplest recipe combination. Of all other “kid-friendly” combinations you had to choose the one that is so common on the Food Network Ina Garten, Sunny Anderson, Alton Brown all have variations of Mac and cheese. Then you gave the more difficult combination to Jeffrey and Jameka. This same thing was done to them in the episode on the Intrepid, that had shoddy equipment and tricky time limits. Are you trying at all to be fair and objective judges???
In the first episode of this show Debbie was chosen as team leader, because she had said that she had experience with catering. However, in the shopping you did not see this expertise come forward. Her shopping was erratic, unplanned and she made sure that her dish was covered, no one else’s.
Further in the kitchen when her team was preparing their dishes for the challenge she out right lied to Kathy and told her that there was Dijon mustard in the shopping bags. When we saw that at the store she made many “executive decisions” that included leaving the mustard and not bring the dessert that Eddie wanted to make (the atrocious Angel Food cake).
In addition to the dishonesty displayed to her own team mates she lied about her budget to the judges (according to Bob). Then she passed off the botched dessert as not her sole responsibility and her “executive decision,”
In watching this I was shocked to see them send home the girl with the beans, I kind of understood that the beans were not up to par but I still felt that even if they weren’t going to send home Debbie at least reprimand her. Nope didn’t happen.
Instead she has progressed and progressed to the point that I fear that I wont be watching many shows on Food Network. As it is I used to watch Giada De Laurentis but have stopped because of her callous and mean comments about the first attempts by the up-coming stars. Now I only watch Jamie at Home, Barefoot Contessa and Good Eats (though Alton Brown is on thin ice too).
Anyway, she over dramatised being hit in the face. Like come on, in the kitchen you will get hurt, burns from the oven or stove, scalding from hot water cuts from knives etc. Look at Chopped so far I’ve seen two chefs get hurt and they continue and don’t complain but Debbie just milked it for all its worth. And like the dotish people you judges are you lapped right up.
Another thing, when Debbie finally got a taste of her nasty tricks, what was Teddy’s reward? Being sent home and reprimanded (I don’t condone what he did though).
She is also a one tirck pony. Every single challenge is like oh I’m a Korean and yeah I’m a Southern Korean. Well guess what? A Korean has at leat more versatility with dishes, you keep cooking like an Asian inspired person instead of actual Korean dishes. Masaharu Morimoto is more creative than she is, even Ming Tsai but do you seek to cultivate Morimoto;s talents??? Nope what you do instead is have the audacity to pick at Jeffrey and yet he shows more grit, creativity, honesty and integrity than that person you seem to have idolized as the Next star. Jameka, Michael, Melissa and Kathy seem more honest, passionate and eager to try.
But for arguments sake say she was a suitable candidate. Who is to say that she wont disgrace Food Network with a blatantly inaccurate statement or practice, and would further more only scapegoat another person. Or even the administrative staff of your channel? Or what if she does a practice so unethical that she gets reprimanded for and places the blame on another star?
Please consider my points and at least address our concerns for the treacherous nature that resides in Debbie. Because I have yet to see a response to the viewers concerns.
I am a Korean-American. I am tired or the Korean-American chef Debbie waving the “Korean” flag for the dishes that have nothing to do with Korean cuisine. She doesn’t have to say “I am Korean” every time she uses garlic or soy sauce!! It’s a cheap shot at trying to stand out and it’s not working.
Am glad to see Katy go. Do not like Debbie…a back stabber. I would like to see Jeffery or Melissa win. I THINK THAT THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA IS THE BEST COOK OF ALL.
One further comment on Michael. He does not present himself well. His appearance is sloppy. I would be reluctant to watch a show of his just because of that. I don’t want to watch a sloppy person in the kitchen.
I wasn’t sure who should be sent home this week.
I don’t know how Katie got to be in the “middle” - she made one decent dish, the cod, otherwise she made NOTHING impressive or that would lead me to believe she’s a good cook - except that yesterday, she got kids to eat squid salad and like it, and she was what seemed to be the winning team in Challenge II
Is there one real superstar? Michael is an amazing chef and fun personality, but if he can’t perform for the camera (but then, Aaron was this was last season)…I really like Jeffrey and his cooking - and clearly he shines when working with kids. I like Melissa’s food but she does have management issues but if she had her own show, people would take care of these things for her. Most of Debbie’s dishes appear good and she is the superstar in front of the camera or an audience - but I question the authenticity of her culinary knowledge and point of view. I like Jamika’s personality and food, but she isn’t the superstar and she is very inconsistent.
Dear Susie,
Why would you keep Michael if he cannot perform on television? While I think he is probably one of the best cooks on the show, he is afterall applying for a position on television and as he so eloquently put when he sees the cameras he “is looking into the firey depths of hell.”
I’m delighted the judges opted to bestow upon Jamika and Debbie another chance. They and Jeffrey are my favorites so far. Jamika would be my preferred pick to date, and I would genuinely like to try her recipes. Debbie is cute & bubbly. She could entice me to take a crack at Korean cuisine. But as Bobby says, “We know you’re Korean. Tell us more about that!” Jeffrey is utterly adorable and has the ability to educate an audience. He is simultaneously both eloquent and entertaining. I enjoy Michael’s enthusiasm, but have yet to learn anything from him. I do appreciate that the judges take into account the taste and presentation of his food, though. He could learn to love the camera perhaps? I’m VERY pleased that the turncoats have been bid “Adios!” The backstabbing contestants just burn my biscuits! I’m relieved that Debbie seems to have performed a 180 after being cornered on a couple of her bogus comments. She’s just so warm and engaging on camera. Keep up the good work judges. I’m with you so far!
I wasn’t so sorry to see Katie go because I don’t think she had the right appeal for tv. But, I loved her ideas and I think it’s time FN jumped on the fresh ingredients, locally grown food bandwagon. I used to watch FN all the time. Now, my two favorite shows are Emeril Green and A Lyon in the Kitchen because that is how they cook, and cooking that way is important to me. I think this is message that needs to be gotten out to all people who care about what they eat. Thanks for listening.
Jamika is being carried through this. She got two “crying” shots in this last episode. It’s going to be Jamika folks, sorry to say that. If it is her, my wife and I are off the idea of this show.
Tameka should have been sent home with Michael gong next week. Why have him on a show involving cameras when he dislikes them obviously so much?I’m still rooting for Jeffrey with Melissa 2nd.And I cant wait until “I’m Korean” Debbie gets the boot like she should have episode #1!
Susie,
How hard would it really have been for Jeffery to have tossed it over to Jamika or simply said let’s see what Jamika is fixing to go along with… Not hard at all. I agree with the decision this week and hope that we see more personality and information (learning) as we get closer to the end.
PS can you pass along to Michael the thought of his audience sitting in their underwear and that we aren’t judging him but really rooting him on. He really needs a hug sometimes.
Hi Susie,
My favorites on Next Food Network have pretty consistantly stayed the same Melissa and Jeffery. However, I want to say how impressed with Jeffery I was this week in how he handled the whole Rachel Ray/Jamika issue. He could have easily passed the whole blame on Jamika but he didn’t. It showed a huge amount of character on his part.
Thanks for letting me comment.
Hi Susie,
My favorites on Food Network Star have been consistantly Melissa and Jeffery. I think Jeffery showed a tremendous amount of character this week in the Rachel Ray/Jamika issue. He could have easily passed the blame on her yet he didn’t.
No, I believe what happened was that Jamika became consumed by her own emotions and shut down. Normally, she appears to be a confident, vivacious woman who is able to improv at the drop of the hat. Also, if she was not happy with the dish, she should have made her opinion known while they were shopping instead of going along -if you do not stand for something, you will lie die for anything. I like her lot, but I have been Jamika so I know the detriment of this personality.
Susie,
I’m wondering how FN feels about all the people who are adament that they absolutely will NOT watch a show starring Debbie given the fact that we both know she’s the winner?
The reason Michael feels the cameras ‘judge’ him is because his outrageousness that he prides himself on isn’t something most people find endearing. Rather, most of us over the age of 40 find him offensive. He looks dirty as well–just look at the picture on Bob’s blog from last week. He looks creepy IMO and isn’t someone I’d want to even speak to, let alone watch on TV.
I suppose people will do ANYTHING for a shot at becoming famous, thus their willingness to take part is such silly challenges designed to humiliate them. Learning how to convert hotdog and beans to an adult meal is just plain foolishness as is expecting someone to make calamari ‘kid friendly.’ Pretty soon they’ll be having to dig their own earthworms, kill the sparrows and collect house-flies to serve as the main course!! Get real. This isn’t Survivor.
i wish i would have had the opportunity to watch the nfs on sunday july 5 before going online to vote because i didnt realize that who was just sent home was going to be broadcast on the website. however, though disappointed already knowing the outcome i can’t say i was at all disappointed with the decision. i’m not trying to be mean, but i feel that katie should have been one of the first contestants to go. she can’t even cook food to the appropriate temperature and that is cooking basics that anyone who cooks at home even knows. so thank you for finally making the correct choice in sending her on her way.
I don’t like Debbie because is dishonest and her Asian spin on everything bores me. A little soy sauce goes a long way. Michael is HIDEOUS to watch with the hair and tattoos - no way I would let him cook anything for me. I think his physical appearance greatly DETRACTS from his personality. A total miss. Jamika is beautiful but looks aren’t enough. I like Jeffrey’s personality. I have to say I hated watching Melissa on the first couple of episodes. But she is winning me over because she shows integrity and grace on every show, she rolls with the criticism and makes changes, and she has a lot of common sense. I TRUST what she is telling me with regard to cooking.
Susie, Do any of the questions or comments matter? Wasn’t the series taped months ago? Isn’t there already a winner? I don’t know that I expect an answer but I had to ask anyway. Telling Debbie that you really like her is so biased. I don’t think you’ve been that obvious with anyone else. If Debbie is the winner, you’re going to have a lot of angry FN followers.
I not sure any of this matters. Last season one of the losers was given his own show, Adam Gertler. So even if they are kicked off they may come back. I have become so disappointed in the Food Network. I can’t stand to watch the poor use of language and “common baby give me some sugar” on the tv shows. Last years winner has an annoying show too.
I think the bias of the judges is clear and that Bob and Susie made up their minds on the first day. Susie, you seem to be a very big Debbie fan, and I assume she will make it to then on that alone. Bob, on the other hand, loves Jamika–almost to the point of discomfort. He made her out to be the victim when Jeffrey took over their demo–what was Jeffrey to do if Jamika just stood there? Bob made no similar comment in regard to Melissa and Michael, whose presentation mirrored Jamika and Jeffrey’s very closely (Melissa talked most of the time). Bob blamed Michael for that. Bob seems completely unwilling to recognize when Jamika falters. Further, it is clear that the judges have turned on Jeffrey. He clearly has the most cooking knowledge and skill. And he has listened to judge criticism and made some important changes, including incorporating more of his personal story into his presentations. This has gone unnoticed by the judges. In the Intrepid challenge, Jeffrey’s mystery ingredients were far more difficult to work with than the other contestants’. Why bring him on the show if there is no way you will allow him to win?
I do not like Michael. His hair is bizarre and he keep putting his hands through it and under his cap. It makes me feel his food is less than clean.
I dont understand if Michael isnt comfortable with the TV why we keep him on the network. IS it just to see if he will change? He hasnt changed since he started and not taken the feedback to heart to implement in his competition. With Katie you (bob and bobby) determined she is taking the feedback to heart and making those changes. I understand its tough in “TV land” but I see how last season we got rid of Adam and Chelsea (The blonde Professional Chef) and brought them back for their own shows. I would speculate that if Michael doesnt get chosen which I doubt, he will be on “live shows” like with Paula Deen and other live venues that will bring him out. Again you may not win but we will still try to use you in our network. I dont think that’s fair for the ultimate winner.
Remember Bob Blumer, the Surreal Gourmet? He had the crazy hair that looked like it would fall in the food– and it worked.
Michael just needs a makeover, a haircut, and zoom! He’s transformed and camera-ready. No biggie. They do transformations just like that all the time on TLC and it works wonders.
The show so far has been terrific. I loved it when Bobby read the riot act to the chefs to help them understand this was not their kitchen until they earn it. I must say I am not rooting for Debbie. That Korean thing is out of control and it seem she makes a variation of the same type of dish every time. Besides, her personally is too much like Ina and one of her is enough at this point. Jeff, Melissa, Michael and Jamika all have chances if they can reach out and take it. Some of the challenges are a little far fetched to be real…these would not be something we could do in our own kitchens. Let us keep this show to a real on a level that reaches us amature chefs. This is not Chopped with professionals, this is a new star that needs to show what they can do to make a dish and us believe it is great the first time. Simple is better!
Thanks
Chuck
I was fairly happy with yesterdays outcome, but at the same time very surprised. Katie actually did well in the challenges but then again her chicken was dry!! just like her turkey was raw, she seems to be fussing over her health foods and doesn’t know how to clearly make her food pleasant and healthy rather than just healthy. Also, wow did Jamika surprise me, she was not shining like she usually does. Well, would you blame Jeffery for Jamika’s silence? I don’t think it was his fault at all, he was just trying to be more dominant so Jamika’s silence wouldn’t be as prominent. It was very interesting to see both of them partnered up and they both have such creative ideas it was sad to see their personalities not shine as much.
Ok I like Michael, but if he can’t work in front of a camera why keep him? also, Go Melissa!
In classifying this week’s challenge as a “mid-term,” how did you approach the judging differently?
I thought it was time for Katie to go home. Although Jamika may have done a worse job this week, Katie’s cooking continuously presented challenges for the judges (dry tasteless chicken, undercooked meat). I like the idea of a show with a healthy yet delicious slant to it. Interesting to see if Jamika can get her game back. I like Michael - hope he starts liking the camera. Right now, Melissa remains the one to watch. Genuine, honest, fun to watch, and a good cook!
I think that Jeffrey has something to offer the Food Network more than any of the other contestants. He has true passion about his food. He also has a family that he sparingly talks about. But could you imagine a show for families that travel? Jeffrey would be perfect for bring his ideas and thoughts from his family into a new cooking show.
I also must agree with a prior post about how manipulative Debbie was in the very first episode. To me that carries over in every episode.
YOu know what would be a good challenge I think, having them step out of their boxes in their perspectives of cooking or what they are comfortable with and make something totally foreign to them. For example: Say to the contestants they are going to be challenged to cook something that they either have never experienced or never tried. Contestant #1 - You are going to cook a kosher dairy meal #2 - you are going to cook a Puerto Rican meal #3 You are going to cook a Cuban meal. Give them enough time to research the topic and recipes and see what happens. Now that is a challenge that will really test their experience, knowledge, and ability to flex and learn.
I think that all of them are doing great. Katie was the right person to be sent home, the undercooking of food and the last challenge, the dryness of the chicken, didn’t she know that whole wheat would make it extremly dry?
anyhow they’re all great!
is everyone afraid of letting some people go. is it about food or public speaking. i just happened to watch this yesterday and ok so this guy (don;t even know their names) that u let go, was not a public speaker (so what) his food was better than tamika’s. why did u pick him over her. who r u trying to please. her food was lousy his was not and isn;t this what its so suppose to be based on….these show get faker by the minute
Can you talk a little about how the contestants prepare in advance to coming to the show? I believe you said previously that they bring their own original recipes to the show. Is that how they come up with ideas so quickly when they are given a challenge? I never see anyone hesitate - they just dive right in and start cooking.
well that is good too. but that was not my issue. my issue was to be real in eliminating people and base it upon their food and not to be afraid of doing so.
I really think that Micheal has the talent and expertise to win this competition, even though he’s shy in front of the cameras, but he’ll adjust, because the last winner had the same problem and he adjusted!!(Big Daddy’s Kitchen)
I have to agree with so many of the other contestants that Debbie seems to manipulating to make me trust her cooking or information. I look forward to Jeffrey and Malissa and Jamika’s upcoming cooking. Jeffrey is my very favorite.
I, too, feel that you have already picked the FN winner so our comments don’t influence your decision at all. Your favoritism of Debbie gives it away, even when she didn’t do anything all that great.
The Jamika/Jeffrey debacle on the Rachel Ray show was not Jeffrey’s fault. He was talking non-stop but she could have put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention and then jumped in. She was quiet before they went on, and when they walked onto the set, she chose to stand to the side and put Jeffrey in the middle, so she was clearly taking a back seat. It was her fault she did so poorly. Jeffrey was trying to salvage an awkward situation, like anyone would do in his position. It is a competition after all!
Jamika can’t handle the pressure,could not watch her. Give Michael his own show roaming around America looking for some strange chefs and put a camera on his shoulder.Michael’s Meals.. Also,you could have found a Korean.
Bobby Flay is a consumate professional. Good Iron Chef last night !
There’s no crying in the kitchen , at the first sign of a tear, send them home.
Why was Debbie featured in the latest FN Magazine? Is she the next FN star? If she is — I am not watching. I hate Adam from last year, and will not watch him at all. Why is he on? Where do you get these people? I used to have the network on all day. No more. It’s seems to be going down the drain.
Debbie really needs to go, and soon: mediocre cooking and concept, overdramatic, and with horrible character. Jamika doesn’t seem to have enough skill cooking to be considered, and even her shallow charm has disappeared. Of the rest, they all have questionable value, but Debbie and Jamika need to go and should have proceded Katie.
Bravo…. Katie is finally gone. I’m surprised that she cooks, low cal and healthy why she hasn’t taken any tips from Ellie on making it taste good and not always throwing it our faces.. Debbie OMG it is time for her to go, I read that she is opening up a hot dog business.. come now is she going to continue to remind the customer that she is korean when you go in and by a hot dog. Michael, calm down, I enjoy your actions but concerned about your presentations on air.. Jamika, get over it shake it off and go for the gold this next week. Jeffery- great you are family man, you like cooking, but hey lets cook and stop hearing about the family over and over again. Melissa, what can I say.. hmmmmmmmmmm… I wish you judges the best in the decision you have to make on this one..
I am a long time foodie, and have been watching NFNS star hoping to see something really innovative yet attainable in an average kitchen. I am disappointed that all of the remaining contestants cooking is cookie cutter.
What purpose is being served finding the BEST next food network star by pairing partners and judging them as one unit?? Jeffery was left holding tha bag for Jamicka who acted like she had lost her best friend - head down, no smile - come on??? Jeffery deserves a medal for that performance- and he was still supportive to JAmica after the filming! He is the kind of guy we want to bring into our kitchens. And please get rid of Debbie-she does not look like a star and, I mean how many times must she remind us that she is korean!!?? so what?? I am Irish and can cook korean food too.
Judy Schnorr
Why didn’t you air the 3 five minute demos as they appeared on The Rachel Ray Show? Certainly there would be time in a one hour time slot, and if not, why? The editing job gives the appearance of manipulation to achieve an agenda…
Susie, I do not think it appropriate for you to tell Debbie, on TV, and in front of the other hopefuls, that you are a fan of hers. Also you want everyone to bare their souls with personal stories and I can tell you I and my group of foodie friends agree, we don’t care about personal stories. Take Barefoot Contessa, the best on Food Network, she does a great job cooking wonderful food and that is what we want, not someone’s personal story. As for Debbie, she lied and manipulated and I believe her to be a phony that shines through. I would not watch her if she got a show.
I just love Melissa. In an age riddled with depressing uncertainties, I welcome Melissa’s demeanor as she brings warmth to the television screen, helping me to forget about the stresses of daily life. I understand that some people find her energy off putting, but I enjoy watching someone who is genuinely happy. She is one of my favorites, but I wish all of the contestants the very best.
I love Jamika! I hope she gets her confidence back. Jeffery was awful last night in the team challenge with her. She needed to get her power back!
Dear Panel,
This is my 3rd season of following the Next FN Star, so I feel this is enough of a comparison to say you really started out with some weaklings this year. Michael is the only one who has the potential to keep a show going simply because of his personality and creativity in cooking. I know we aren’t on the scene to see what happens day in and day out, but please, Melissa is gawd awful, can’t cook, and looks like the ditzy blonde on speed. I could care less about her 4 little girls in her perfect world. I want to watch someone with depth and creativity. Love Aaron’s show and you guys were spot on last year, very unlike this year. Thanks.
I am relieved that Katie was sent home. It was painful to watch her much less listen. She digests on the screen just as her cooking: bland and hard to swallow.
The others that remain well, need to step it up. I can’t believe all the crying!! You have an opportunity to market yourself to TFN and the world and you’re emotional? Pull it together and have some fun!
I am glad the five that remain are there but, still unsure who I’d watch consistently.
Debbie needs to BUTTON her lip and “throw down” like a Korean and try a less “mother-to-be” look.
Jeffery needs to be a bit more creative and focus on the prize. Easy on the eyes but, needs a clearer cooking direction.
Michael is food savvy and has the bones for a great on-air
chef. He needs some camera therapy and a great producer. He makes me laugh and his food looks good- just wish I could see him make it!
Jamika would be great to watch if she could emit confidence, stop the waterworks and self-loathing.
I could watch her show if she could offer true Caribbean cuisine. No more “soul” cooking please.
Melissa made me cringe the first few episodes but, now I see the most growth in her. She clearly has learned to take criticism and is working the “mom” angle a bit less “in your face”. I’d love to know what dishes she cooks for her husband and herself not, just her children. She still is a bit “venti frapp, w/ a shot and extra whip” maybe she should switch to decaf in the afternoon.
Two questions:
Susie are you related to the infamous Dr. Marta Meana, UNLV psychology professor and recent guest on the Oprah Winfrey show? My husband and I are huge fans of you both.
In the end, will the judges at TFN rather select someone with TV versatility over food chops?
am i the only one who sees jeffrey as a narcissist?? he did not hive jamika a chance - i am tired of listening to his endless prattle and wish he would go home
when i see him all i hear is blag,blah,blah….
Please, please, please send Debbie home! She annoys me to no end and is not a team player. I’m not Korean but I can put soy sauce on sweet potatoes, or add garlic to a dish. Unlike Susie, I am not a fan (I can’t believe Susie even said that about Debbie in front of the other contestants). I’m personally rooting for Jamika, and then Michael. Jeffery turned me off with his rambling on Rachel Ray and acting like he couldn’t offer an olive branch to help his partner Jamika (I got the feeling had she jumped in and started talking she would have been criticized for doing so). I’m certain she will get over her self-doubt and it will make her shine even brighter. Melissa is very self-absorbed and way too manic for my taste. When she slows down I can tolerate her, but not for a full half-hour.
First, I’m happy that Katie is off the show. I was so bored with her healthy tips, which seemed to be the focus more so than the food itself. She made the food sound boring. I don’t want to hear about health stuff - that’s not going to entice me to eat the food or to try the recipe. I feel bad for Jamika and I hope she shines through next Sunday. I think Jamikw was just going through the motions. I don’t think Jeffrey stole her thunder at all. I believe she was already disappointed about the dish from the beginnig, thus the reason she wasn’t enthusiastic to talk about it. Jamika should not hold back. She should speak what is on her mind. Her reluctance to give her point of view to Jeffrey about the chosen dish and ancillary ingredients were the reasons that led to her downfall last night. My vote for the next food network star is either Jamika or Melissa. I believe the network needs someone with whom we can all relate somehow, someone who writes creative, but simple recipes we can all follow.
Jeffrey was being Jamika’s hero,IMHO. He was trying to save the day since she seemed to have ’stage fright’. Not only was he trying to handle his own nerves, but he had to fill the dead air waves that he hadn’t planned on. I think he did an outstanding job. The judges have been pushing him to disclose more about himself and not to be so “Zen-like”. He delivered, but is being criticized for that. Since Debbie seems to be the ‘affirmative action’ choice, I doubt Jeffrey will be given credit for anything he does.
Judging Team,
I wrote earlier about Melissa going and why and the comparison of the past 3 years, but what I forgot to mention is that Debbie is also a phony. She’s got such a stupid approach and economy of words about being Korean American.BORING.
I have enjoyed FN since it started.I am getting a little bored with all the challenges. Wedding cakes, come on, are you running out of ideas? Last years star, Amy Finley was a real disappointment and was from the first challenge. Since her winning didn’t work out, maybe should have been more careful this year. Not much to work with but really there isn’t a winner in the bunch. Better luck with next years contestants. I still like the network and will continue watching, just maybe no as much. My favorites are in order: Ina Garten, Bobby Flay, Mario Batilo and Rachel Ray. What happened to sending Mario through Italy?
Susie, you should read Bob’s blog because this is like reading about a different network.
Your total disdain for everything Katie stood for was evident from the beginning. The clips of you and Bob looking at her while she presented, compared with your light-hearted, parent-like smiles encouraging others to soar - pulees! You wanted to crush her on the last show. She did nothing to deserve your total disapproval. It was like watching a little child being told their puppy had just died. I think you were looking forward to just the right moment to lambased her.
She did VERY well on her last show. You decided before that show that she was going and had to invent reasons to justify it.
I used to love the FN. It really is more and more unappealing. Instead of coaching and encouraging and nurturing - you choose to destroy the contestants.
Shame on you.
I love Jefferey! He can really cook, and I can really believe in him as a teacher. I also don’t need him to come off as something he isn’t. His “zen” quality suits him just fine. I want to learn as well as be entertained. However, a natural host that doesn’t have to be over the top appeals to many people.
As far as the Rachel Ray show went Jamica was flailing and Jefferey did his best to cover for the both of them! This segment affected him too! She already gave up and that clearly influenced her performance. He is a true gentleman. He did his best to support her and make her feel better about a segment that affected his chance to be the next foodnetwork star just as much as it affects her.
I agree with many of the other posts regarding Debbie. She does seem a bit under handed. If she were to win I don’t know if I could watch her having seen that side of her personality.
Michael seems like a great chef. His food is something that you can depend on to come out tasting great. As a viewer I want to cook something that I believe will taste great. I don’t want to waste my time and money at the store for mediocre food.
I do enjoy Melissa too. She appeals to me and many viewers because she is a stay at home mom with a genuine talent and family experience.
My top three choices are Jefferey, Melissa, and Michael. Please ditch Debbie soon if she continues to act like such a baby and question all the others integrity. She needs to look at herself. That is a HUGE turn off!!!
I still just CAN NOT stand Melissa….and last night’s show clinched it for me with her….she was so over the top it gave me a headache….especially when she went running to the other side of the counter with her hands all over and then skipping down the hall. And I’m sorry but her explanation of a raw piece of brussel sprout was SO ridiculous and they let her “explain” (ramble) in every session…..why is that? Why does she get to “justify” what she is doing? She is sickening. I also think that some of what we saw in the first episode where she would NOT have finished her plates on time if it weren’t for help, is going to surface again…..and for the love of life, PLEASE Susie, stop acting star struck every time Melissa takes the stage…..she is annoying!!
About Jamika…..well, I didn’t see her as a victim of Jeffery……she had been pouting since she wasn’t “swooned” over in the first challenge and it carried into the next challenge……she can speak up for herself when she wants to…..she is another one who needs to grow up a bit. I saw a bit of “attitude” there and I am a believer that a person can only hide who they really are for a while and then it catches up with you……..Jeffrey wasn’t at his best especially when he went on about him and his wife but I think it was nerves and Jamika looking dazed that had him nervous. But he knocked the first challenge out of the park! And Debbie…there are no words….I can’t take her either.
Can’t believe all three of the judges seem to be unaware of Debbie’s manipulation of the other contestants. She appears to be a passive agressive of the highest order!!! Lets get another Rachel Ray type on FN not more of the same . Please stop her reminders that she is Korean. Look at what she does in every show to try to make others look bad. I say GO Debbie ASAp!!!!!!
i think debbie is pushy and overbearing. in a couple of the episodes she goofed and made it look like it was her partner, like the desert disaster. and miss always smily face does not know what she is doing and trying to slide by with that gooey smile. i think the guys left are better and if the others get picked i wont be watching their show.
Why is Debbie hsnging on. She trys to blame others for her mistakes and all I hear from her is that she is Korean. It is starting to get rediculas.
Alot of people felt as if Jeffrey totally upstaged Jamika but I feel that Jamika is very talented and HAS got star quality. However she needs to learn how to remain professional and speak up when she has doubts. I mean this is a glorious oppurtunity she shouldn’t blow it!
Why are my comments always deleted? Is it because I question the FN integrity?
I agree with Bobby about Debbie I am Korean tell me your story.Michael can cook and I like him but when was ask about the cameras his comment told me it time to go home. Jamika and Jeffrey did not pair up together at all. Jamika like her she need to step it up. Melissa look good on camera she is telling her story. Jeffrey can cook he also need step it up. I whould like to see Jamike,Melissa and Debbie as the last three.
Deloris Walker
One person I can not stand is Rachael Ray. She is very childess. Always making up things like a sammy for sandwich. When she is on I change the channel. She is not a chef. She just has a mouth. Look her her husband when he is on with her. Does he own a shaver.
How can Jamika still be in the running. She has messed up the last two weeks but according to one judge “I still think she has the look of a star.” This even though she messed up on BOTH challenges last night. Is this a cooking competition or who looks the best, regardless of how many times she messes up? I guess the above comment by one of the judges says it all.
It was time for Katie to go…She had some really promise but needs to ripen a bit and develop her style. She could be great one day. Michael is next to go. To be so afraid of cameras is not going to fly. He could have ignored the cameras with Rachel’s show….he is stylish and unique and has a fun food perspective but I predict he is next. Melissa needs to chill. For me, personally, I don’t need the home cook perspective for 4 kids…but a lot of people do. I think Jamika or Jeff will be “the one”. They didn’t pair up well and Jamika hit a bump. She could have jumped in and Jeff could have said “jamika, tell us about the spice.” It falls 80% to Jamika and 20% to Jeff.
Reading through the rest of the other comments, I must add I truly hope Debbie is not the winner. That would be a huge disappointment! Her show wouldn’t last long at all! The only true stars you have found through this endeavor have been Guy Fierri (Love him!), and Big Daddy’s show. You gave that Adam guy a show, which I will never watch. I hope Jefferey gets a show out of this, even if he does not win. The network doesn’t need another lame food show. I could watch Ina, Giada, Guy, and Bobby Flay all day! Tyler rocks too.
b.t.y. I am a doctor, and Debbie was way over the top with her reaction to the “Pan hitting her inferior orbital rim”. It was ridiculous and made me question her integrity! That and the “we were right on budget” from the first episode make me question her integrity. Her food was already seasoned and cooking, so the “incident’ (I have broken a bone and operated immediately after) was not an excuse for the food!
I think the only person without an agenda is Jeffrey. Jamika went into the challenge with an attitude problem. She was negative from the start. I really like Jeffrey’s laid back attitude and he is comfortable to watch.
I agreed with Katie, except Michael is NOT getting better in front of the camera, so…we have one more week of a easy vote off.
Next season maybe you could decide on a style of cooking for the show then choose finalists that can do that type of cooking.
I would like to see Thai, Chinese and Japanese cooking which might end up as three shows OR rotating three chefs.
also I have some Ideas about a very short term type of program that Alton would be good for, how would I propose it?
DUMP DEBBIE! ! !
I love the idea of a theme cook off for the next food network star! I want Indian or Thai personally.
Do you suppose Mommy Dearest borrowed that peach sweater/blouse from Giada? Same style, cut too low and tight. Maybe clothes don’t make the cook, but Jamika always looks sharp. I still think Mommy Dearest is scary.
Episode #5 Question for Susie;
How do you determine the pairings for the finalists in the challenges? It’s was interesting to see how everyone interacted with each other, especially the unexpected train wreck of Jeffrey and Jamika. (Who are both so normally enjoyable to watch, so I’m glad they made it through this round!)
Thanks for your time!
Every time I watch an episode of the Next Food Network star I wonder what the judges don’t see in Jeffrey. I love him I think he is soothing to watch and also able to convey his passion for cooking. He gets me excited about what he is going to do next and seems relaxed and competent.
Wow,…. Lot’s of repetitive comments.
Sadly it’s also obvious, illiteracy is a real problem in this country.
Okay,… on to my questions for Susie…
Susie, I understand you are looking for a person with all of the qualities most desired in a contestant.
Some of these qualities might be… audience appeal, food knowledge, culinary chops, appearance and credibility. In addition to that someone that can bring something new, different and fresh to the network.
That being said,…
1.) What are the top three traits you look for, when selecting the next Food Network Star?
2.) Is honesty as important as culinary skills?
3.) Provided this isn’t moot, meaning the final outcome has already been decided and the episodes are already “in the can” so to speak (as previously mentioned), does all this “fan feedback” have any impact on the outcome or your decisions?
4.) Michael is clearly the best cook of all the contestants, he appears to be true to himself and who he is. I respect him for that, but is there room for a flaming queen in the food network lineup?
For what it’s worth, I’m no homophobe, I would watch his show if he had one.
He reminds me of “The Two Fat Ladies” (Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson), I used to love that show.
Glenn
Shame on you Suzie–Blantedly indicating that you are a fan of Debbie. What does that do to the self-esteem of the other contestants? HUH? And, why are you a fan of hers? As others have said–She is a liar, cheat, manipulative and over bearing. In the first episode, if you will remember, she said something to the effect that –Yes, she does like to take over. Also, if you notice she has a very strong set face, almost pouting, and when the camera is on her, she smiles politely. Please let her go. And if she wins, I like others, will not watch her show, not watch NFNS again because it appears to be all cut and dried.
Also, I noticed that one poster indicated that she thought Melissa appeared like Sara Moulton–I agree. And maybe if she is chosen as the NFNS that she will tone down. I think she is trying so hard to get her thoughts, food, personality across in SUCH a short time they are alotted. And, I agree, she is one that has not undercut any of the other contestants.
Let’s be fair in your judging–OK?
Melissa will appeal to the day time demographics the Food Network is looking for. There are many more moms out there who can relate to her. Her food has been well received by the hosts and once she has won this deal, she won’t be so overexcited.
I’m glad Bobby finally said something about Debbie saying she is Korean…it’s a little bit obvious. She doesn’t need to beat it to death.
Jeffrey would be marketable as well, but he totally dissed Jamika on the Rachal Ray Show. He is likable and cooks well and is a great presenter.
It will be either Melissa or Jeffrey in the end. I don’t think the TV audience is ready for Michael yet…besides, he has Bobby running scared after expressing his desires to “make out” with him.
As far as Michael goes, he is on camera every week, the show is taped using a camera. I think if maybe someone pointed that out to him he’s be fine. I don’t like Debbie, as others have stated it’s her integrity, or lack of it. I would never watch her show. I like Melissa, I think she’ll calm down as time goes on. Jeffrey is ok, I could take him or leave him. Jamika has some personality but can’t srr her on a show.
Susise
As you can se by the blogs up to now, it is almost complete that Debbie must go. I as well as many many more hope you heed our advise and let her off the show. And Debbie, if you are reading this stuff, get grip, and get a life. You are an American????
You have done pretty good in the past on some of your contestants. There are a few could have used a few more episodes of training. As for the contestants now. You really have a couple that I would like to watch, and that is Jeffery and Jamika. Melissa is irritating and Debbi is just a pain to watch. I love Big Daddy and Guy they are what the cooks are supposed to be. I like shows like Bobby, Guy, Big Daddy, Tyler, Sometimes Paula.
We have no way of knowing if Jeffrey stole Jamika’s thunder. We only see what the FN editors want us to see.
I do not trust Debbie. I think Melissa is annoying. I love Jamika and hope she can get herself together. I myself love Jeffrey and don’t think Michael will make it since he is camera shy.
I think that Debbie is by far the best star…she really needs to stop talking about her race though
Wow,…. Lot’s of repetitive comments.
Sadly it’s also obvious, illiteracy is a real problem in this country.
Okay,… on to my questions for Susie…
Susie, I understand you are looking for a person with all of the qualities most desired in a contestant.
Some of these qualities might be… audience appeal, food knowledge, culinary chops, appearance and credibility. In addition to that someone that can bring something new, different and fresh to the network.
That being said,…
1.) What are the top three traits you look for, when selecting the next Food Network Star?
2.) Is honesty as important as culinary skills?
3.) Provided this isn’t moot, meaning the final outcome has already been decided and the episodes are already “in the can” so to speak (as previously mentioned), does all this “fan feedback” have any impact on the outcome or your decisions?
4.) Michael is clearly the best cook of all the contestants, he appears to be true to himself and who he is. I respect him for that, but is there room for a flaming queen in the food network lineup?
For what it’s worth, I’m no homophobe, I would watch his show if he had one.
He reminds me of watching “The Two fat Ladies” (Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson) I really enjoyed that show.
Glenn
I have been a fan of FN for years, mainly because it was REAL, rather than contrived. With NFNS, however, the “challenges” get less real and believable with every episode. Come on, people - we all know that the FN shows are taped and that the current stars have lots of time to get it right. No one is giving them silly “mystery” ingredients or asking them to plan and shop, then combine the possibly disparate ingredients and make a perfect meal. Please, in future can you devise some more realistic challenges for them?
As for the contestants: Debbie is a liar and an underhanded manipulator. And is she Korean by chance? She should have gone a long time ago.
Michael is dirty looking and puts his hands in his hair while cooking (So does Racheal Ray, however - watch for it on 30MM. The make out remark was over the line.
Jeffrey and Melissa are my favorites.
Please send Michael home! We watch the Food Network as a family and I do NOT feel he is an appropriate person to let into our home via the T.V. And will he ever calm his fear of the camera anyway? Doubtful. We would watch either Melissa or Jeffrey in their show if either would win!
Love this show, but don’t eliminate Jeffrey is really humbling and always congrats the other contestants , also like Michael and Melissa, I think Debbie is a drama queen and I wouldnt watch her show, but I would Jeffrey, I love to watch Aarons, Big Daddys show, I picked him and Guy too. My fav is Jeffrey, Michael or Melissa, leaning towards Jeffrey.
I would think most would know that it already has been decided who wins, we are just able to comment on the shows, and if you follow all the judges comments you all are leaning and in fact over stating how comfortable Debbie is, how they would watch her show for hours, they make excuses for her mistakes, you can bet she is going to win this. But even in past seasons they have done the same thing, it matters to them what they think will sell. Aaron was set up and still is, I have not seen to many positive comments on forum sites about his show, Guy well he has made it on DDD, not in his kitchen, I know I would not watch him in his big bite but for about two shows, well we have seen what has happened to the others most have gone their own ways from past shows. I have been a long time viewer of the network, and it seems to be geared to non cooks, and entertainment except now for Saturday and Sunday mornings. It use to be food tv, now it is a little food and competitions. And I like the network am getter older and out of the target range of viewers, although we probably spend the most money on advertisers products, we no longer count.
In the eyes of the judges, why is it that Debbie can rarely do wrong? I was SO HAPPY to hear Bobby voice a negative about the “I’m Korean” chant. She lost me when she bought that stupid store bought angel food cake, then the crappy store bought vanilla pudding. Then she let Teddy get screwed with having to work with the crappy pudding, and barely gave him credit for the meatloaf mixture he made! She surely doesn’t have my trust or respect as a person or a chef. I won’t watch the show if she wins, and I know many who agree she has to go!
Why have you kept Debbie around for so long? She is a liar and obviously no one will watch her show.
It sounds like Jeffrey is the fan favorite, and it looks like he can cook, Bobby is one of my fav chefs, along w/Guy, Aaron, Ina, Paula, love the new show chopped, why not trying something like that w/the finalists. love the network.
When choosing the Next Food Network Star do you have a type of person already in mind for the job such as a Korean cook? Or a healthy cook?
WOW! I posted before I even read the Debbie related posts - I was speaking from many friends, family, and co-workers who watch the show and agree “Debbie must go” but we all see a clear bias from the judges towards her, and then Tamika. Hmmmm. Should we be surprised? Pretty much how this show works. The audience should have a vote in the outcome too! As a working mom, I want to see someone who makes great food and knows where I’m coming from, I love Melissa and Jeffrey. Michael has some great food but can’t handle the camera, what a shame.
i agree with cheft in the comment above
Susie, I have so enjoyed watching this series over the years.
There is, however, one addition I would like to see. Is there a way that in the week in between the competitions could be spent training the contestants for the episode? I would find it interesting to watch how people learn the craft of cooking in front of others. This could include working on their pitches, timing of a demonstration, relating to the camera and perhaps even a “personal trainer” of sorts to help them keep their confidence up and focused. That is a show that would help to acsertain who has the actual true talent to shine and one that I would truly enjoy watching.
Please do not let Debbie win. She drives me crazy. It would be nice to have an Asian chef but there have to be others that are available.
Wow! Cheft perhaps you should stick to watching cooking shows on PBS! The shows on FN are entertaining as well as informative and I disagree with you about Guy. I looove watching him cook, on Big Bite and his audience show. He has vibrant personality! I also disagree with him about the decision of the winner. It appears to me thy ALL still have to prove themselves. My favorites are still Jeffery and Jamika. I like Michael but his television presence is painful to watch. I have already stated I do not like Melissa and Debbie seems just too sly.
I realize Katie was weaker in the past, but I thought she really did a nice job finding her voice and showing that she belonged with the final 6 this week. My wife agreed. We were SHOCKED when Debbie, who botched both assignments this week, and hasn’t been particularly strong in the past - somehow was the first to be ’safe’?? It really comes across like the Food Network is angling this for the person they want to come out in the end, and not relying on the rules it puts forth - ‘may the best competitor win’. We watched Rachael’s show last week to see the contestants compete, and both my wife and I were impressed with how Katie FINALLY did what the judges asked of her, and mentioned flavor/quality of the ingredients as much as the “health” factor. And it was really sad to see that some of her best moments were left on the cutting room floor. And somehow Debbie looked like she was 50/50 up there with her during that presentation. Debbie came across as quiet and lost when we were watching! Ugh. It’s just sad to see someone really turn up their game and do well, and compete better than another contestant, only to be rewarded with ‘elimination’. If the FN wants to give Debbie her own show because she meets a demographic, that’s fine - it’s happened in the past (Adam’s doing great with his “Will Work for Food” show). Don’t eliminate someone just because you don’t like them though…I think Katie at least deserved another week over Jamika and Debbie.
What a horrible job by the selection committee. None of these clowns are in the same league as Aaron, Lisa, Adam or Kelsey from last season or Guy from season 2.
I love the Food Network but can’t stomach any more of these stooges on this season. Jamika and Michael are terrified of the camera. HELLO…the show is called the Next Food Network Star. You have to be able to be comfortable on TV.
I have no clue why the committee likes Michael at all. He can cook but he is a stumbling buffoon on camera. Jamika has no personality and her food is average at best. Debbie (hey, did you guys know I’m Korean) doesn’t impress me at all. I grew up in Memphis and New Orleans and her food doesn’t remotely resemble Southern cooking.
I would possibly watch a show hosted by Jeffrey or Melissa but their food doesn’t impress me like the four contestants I mentioned from last year.
dear susie,
first and foremost i resented any insinuation that Jeffrey had somehow taken something away from Jamaika. It was apparent that she was in the middle of an emotional disturbance. When some people know they have to pick themselves up after a disaster, they either do so or not.
She is not a team player. In the original collaboration at Ina’s she made some elementary salmon with an asian bottled sauce that she “doctored” up. Apparently the consensus was that the dishes did not meld which was the prerequisite of the “collaboratory” effort.
What was embarasssing was how much Jeffrey was trying to appease her. He made several attempts to get her to commuicate with him, and i assure you his put his arm on her shoulder did not seem to be condescending.
Getting to the core of the issue “WHOSE FOOD REIGNS SUPREME”?
Jamaika’s first dish were some terrible cold shrimps although a remark was made that the slaw was ok.
She was applauded and rewarded for her greens and cornbread. These are very rudimentary dishes of little complexity and i assure you i would not wait on line at 2;00 am for that munchie. At Good Housekeeping she prepared another undistinguished salmon dish with no savoir faire other than the facts it was available to chomp on in thirty minutes. She has absolutely no creative impulses….its easy in hindsight to see she could have made a great mac and cheese with kielbasa and beer/cheese sauce. That really was SLOP. The yummm-o competition was disappointing.. forget the fact she forgot to cook…who wants to eat corn and tofu in a wrap? pizza would have been ideal… and of course returning to your original inquiry of Jeffrey overtaking her part…well the poor guy was trying to save a train wreck…he had the integrity to go on with the show although someone had a pretty princess attitude..
it is obvious that you see the warmth and ability to articulate accordingly, but at the end of the day all of us out here in FOOD NETWORK LAND want to learn something. You know after the show was Iron Chef…
FLAY vs. TORRES, the secret ingredient was bananas and it was outrageous. Now the food network show is not in the same capacity as an iron chef, but at least the viewer’s time is utilsed in learning.
Jeffrey, on the other hand has a great deal to offer. Just the smile alone.!! I event dont care about his wife and kids , just cook ! He is a cutie !! Wish i had that tomato soup! There are so many mexican southwest sauces you are set for years……
bonnie
If Melissa wins this competition, I cannot, will not watch a single show. She is way too frantic. Seems to me the judges should be paying attention to the viewers as the judges have actually only picked one winner out of all the NFNS and that is Guy. I’m sure Aaron is a nice fellow but not good enough for primetime obviously. Jeffrey is the only contestant I can imagine watching on a regular basis.
Personally, I think Jeffrey is a “car salesman” and don’t trust or like him at all. He is too much of a fake. Jeffrey knew what he did to Jamika, he was rude and thoughtless. He did not even apoligize to her.
I will not watch any show with DEBBIE, she is not hoset and she is a snake. She knew the rice noodles would be dry and they were a team and she said nothing to her partner, just the camera! She is a snake!
Hi Susie,
I am very curious about something. I hear you say week after week that you really like Debbie, you really think she is engaging, you really think she “brings it” in front of the camera. Really Susie?? I just don’t see it. She is extremely annoying and I don’t find anything pleasant to watch in her. I think of all of the people this season she is the most dishonest, even though she questions others honesty all the time. Spending most of the budget on her stuff, buying angel food cake and blaming that mess on her team mates….the list goes on and on. So my question for you is WHY Debbie? Please tell us WHAT it is that you see in her that most of us don’t? It’s just not there Susie. I for one would never watch her show if she is picked. There are very few shows that lure me away from the Food Network but I will turn to a different channel and find something else to watch if she ends up the Next Food Network Star.
I don’t know why Jamica keeps using her korean heritage, she doesn’t seem to use it in her cooking, and I agree that the first time I saw Debbie make sure she got all of the ingredients she needed and then didn’t worry about what the others had to make do with, like and angel food cake, told me that she is not somebody I would want to be around for long, and she just keeps proving me right. I don’t think I would watch a show with any of them, truthfully, but maybe if they didn’t have to cook with unusual ingredients in 5 minutes or less and talk to a camera like it’s their best friend, they might be a little easier to watch.
Jeffrey was just trying to salvage he and Jamika’s presentation. She was the reason their dish was so gross (her inability to think outside of the box) and then she just shut down. She walked around the whole show with a “I just smelled someone’s gas” look on her face.He didn’t “steal her thunder” because she had no thunder to contribute.
As for the show, I love Melissa! She has real life tips, and real life experience. I would love to watch her progress her skills and teach me some new ones. As for the people that don’t like her “cheerleader” mannerisms I say, get over it! Leave your high school BS back in high school, move forward people.
Michael is not family friendly, and although his recipes look tasty, they are sometimes way more involved and require more skills than most average at home chefs possess. He gets on my last nerve with his over the top flamboyance.
Jeffrey is good and I would watch his show as well. I like that he is willing to attempt new flavors (like the blueberry gunk). I am sure in a real life scenario he would never actually serve anything that didn’t taste good.
Debbie is annoying. She said on one episode that she wasn’t taught how to cook any asian foods yet all she ever talks about when cooking is being Korean. I chose garlic, because I’m Korean, I chose ginger, because I’m Korean. Which is it? Did she learn this growing up or not. Also, I’m over the whole “Asian fusion” crap. Does she know how to cook anything else?
Lastly, Jamika. Annoying, and she hasn’t cooked anything yet that wowed me. She seems to use sausage with everything. Gross.
sorry, I meant Debbie. Jamika just likes to play the victim so everyone will feel sorry for her.
I agree with Donna! Melissa appears to be high maintenance.
I find it interesting that Debbie has, on more than on occasion, made public comment about her problem with another contestant’s moral fiber. Am I the only person that has watched her run roughshod over her fellow contestant, or resort to untruth, to make herself look better?
Suzie: I am a cat. And I watch Next Food Network Star. I think you’re a good human in how you tell the contestants they’ve used up one of their nine lives because they didn’t do so hot. I’m OK with Katie gone. Melissa was NOT my fave–yet she’s growing on me. I like Jamika yet tell her to quit blinking 3 times more than she has too in a span of a second. And Jamika froze-that’s why Jeff dominated. Otherwise they both woulda cooked in silence–with the only sound heard would be my purr as I licked the bottom of my human’s ice cream bowl.
Donna I agree with you - I don’t think I could/would watch Melissa….somehow she is a REAL turn off! On the positive side, I really like Jamika …and have enjoyed Debbie - but after reading the comments about Debbie I am wondering if I am observing carefully. I do think Jeffrey thru Jamika under the bus - so I like him less this week. Jamika was so down - she was hardly functional. I wanted to say ‘get up girl - you’ll do fine if you just find yourself.’ It did not help putting her with the domineering Jeffrey. Just IMHO
Hi Susie,
I was wondering was there more to why Katie was sent home then what was shown? B/c what was shown on television, I thought others were more likely to be sent home. I thought Michael or Jamika should have been sent home. It just seemed like this week, from a viewer standpoint without being able to taste the food, she did better then the other three. Where as Michael has had problems with being himself on camera and becomes camera shy and once again he did it again with both challenges. And Jamika seemed to blow both challenges. So that’s why I’m wondering if there were more to the reason of why Katie was sent home before Jamika and Michael.
Thank you
Tanya
I think Melissa and Jeffrey would be good for your network. I think Michael is too extreme, although a good cook, Debbie I like but have a problem with her early on lying, Jamika I like but she has quit in her mind when times got tough…that doesn’t work. Melissa and Jeffrey seem to have that grit to get it done and to the end…I like their styles and energies. Good luck!
Jean DeMange- an avid viewer of Food Network and all the Next Series…
I think Susie could be a little more thoughtful in her comments in regards to the contestants. She always has a negative remark with each contestant. Did dhe get where she is by being judged by people who were so negative.
I love Melissa. She is the one that you would be able to keep a show that viewers would actually benefit from. I wouldn’t watch anyone elses show but Melissa. Anyone else would be just like another Gourmet Next Door, a failure.
I see Michael skills, but his camera shyness is killing him. However, week after week, he is still not improving his weakness and I can see you guys are giving him chances so many times. My question is besides the dishes, would FN providing suggestions for for all other finalist of how they should be improved? Or they just have to figure out themselves?
On the other hand, Melissa so far does pretty good, however, her dishes are boring and not creative enough compared other FN people in the other shows. Her plating is messy, her cooking process is not organized, and her “everything about my kids” are not fun to watch anymore since she has already told a lot of family stuff. She may do good at recipes secession on local newspaper
but I just cant see her be a right person for TV cooking show. I am wondering how do you feel about Melissa?
Melissa was the one with raw veggies on the palte & in the whipped potatoes.Great idea,give them a choice,kids love that(also if raw was so bad it made them realy appreciate the cooked in the main dish).Also,I love her honest,comments on her own experiences with her own children.(That’s what we want to hear & gain tips on.Energy,smiles,personality! Melissa has it.some others do also,but as a nurse I even got fed up with all the nuttrian talk from Katie,& uck raw food ,how many times?Right on judes,some others,just a case of nerves but great food & personalities.I tied to vote,but,network woldn’t accept my vote(kicked it out x 4).Thanks for great recipes,great entertainement,Boy am I hooked! Susie on the coast in North Carolina
I think Susie is being snowed by Debbie. I don’t think Debbie is trustworthy and I certainly don’t find her entertaining. She is bland and boring.
As for Jeff, I don’t think he was hogging the show on RR. I think he was trying to cover for Jamika’s shut down.
Susie, and posters:
One thing everyone must remember is that not everyone watches, or enjoys, the same things on television. That is why there are hundreds of channels, and many styles of cooking shows, and hosts on the Food Network. The demographics of your viewers are also across the board, but I would wager that there are way more average housewives like Melissa than Sous Chefs watching! I am a self-taught cook and am starting up a home catering business. People like good food, and aspiring cooks want to believe that they can make good and satisfying dishes without a culinary degree or being able to speak French! That’s why I like Melissa.
Now my question, Susie: Does the Network have a style of show that they are looking for before the competition begins?
Hey Susie,
So, my question is very bottom line. And, that is, “What was the decision to send Katie home based on?” I really was a fan of Katie, so I’m just curious. She had issues with camera presentation in both of the challenges this week and had had issues with underdone food and just poor food this week. So, was there one issue in particular that sealed her fate?
Thanks,
Jay K.
Hey Susie,
Okay - so far, Michael’s cuisine appears to consistently rate superior to his fellow finalists. Also, he has been only finalist who has demonstrated a personality that is the same now as it was when he started the competition. Would it be possible for FN to really consider these remarkable qualities despite his current stagefright? To me, it’s very obvious he can turn this around if given the chance. THX-A-MILLION!
Why was Jamika told that to reduce a marinade, was a recipe for E-Coli? (it’s salmonella or shigella or camplobactor). Just last week Giada did marinate chicken wings and then reduced the marinade and put it right on top of the oven baked wings, she then added seseme seeds and chives on top and served it at her jewlerey exchange lunch!!! If a big star can do it maybe people think it is OK to do this and are doing this. My years as a Med Lab Tech, have thought me many clean kitchen tricks, that most of your SHOWS violate 1. after washing your hands after handleing chicken or any raw meat or fish, you also need to clean faucet handles,and the top of soap dispensers. 2. use clean towels or at least paper towels. 3. don’t keep dipping into salt and pepper bowls.4. cutting boards and the outside of bowls harbor many bacteria. The prop guy’s are cleaning these kitchens, not the cooks and I’d say most of them keep a not so clean kitchen. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE WIPE OFF A STOVE HANDLE OR A REFIDGERATOR HANDLE FOR THAT MATTER .
I would let Debbie go. she is always a victim, whine, whine, She was not going to make a big deal of being Korean and that is all that comes out of her mouth.
She must be of the Sandra Lee, semi home made school because she buys premade things to Doctor up.(and never owns up to it).Always has an excuse for her errors and is not at all honest. If she wins it is only because Foodnetwork has no Asian cooks, but I would not watch her. I like Melissa, give her a custom kitchen and she will take off with great food any her axiety will be gone. Jeffery is also good, Jamika looks to much like Gina Neely and has the same energy level, and Michael, I just want to send him a frilly apron,he is a good cook but to unpredictable.Respectfully submitted for what it’s worth.
Hi Susie,
I’ll chime in with a question similar to some phrased above - if this weeks’ performances had been evaluated on their own merits, rather than as a ‘mid-term,’ do you feel the elimination would have swung in a different direction?
I think most agree that Katie was on an upswing this week and Jamika on a downswing. Care to comment on the ‘potential’ in the finalists, in terms of what you saw at the outset, versus what you saw developing in the first few weeks?
I don’t like any of the women left. They are all whiners and way too competitive. Um friendliness and the ability to be able to be REAL on camera is a key to the viewers hearts. I would not watch ANY of them. Jeffrey I like and Michael if he can get over the camera thing I think he’ll do fine. I hope it’s not like another season of that woman with dark hair hooked on cooking French. I ALWAYS switched the channel when her show came on. And I never change the channel from the FN on Saturday or Sunday mornings (with the exception of Man vs. Food on Travel Channel).
Michael should be sent home, or better still, have never been on. Who would want to eat anything he cooked? Too many silly types have already been added to a netwook that we loved and watched.
It seemed odd that a contestant that has improved and taken the advice of the judges, as stated by the judges, gets sent home over someone who keeps saying he freaks out over the cameras. Michael might be charming in person but it is not working on camera. I see a scattered head case with no discipline or plan. It was awful that Jamika crumpled and beat herself this week. Hopefully she can put that behind her and come back strong. Melissa has a great show idea that I would watch–a stay at home mom cooking on a budget. I’m not fortunate to be a stay at home, but I’d love to hear the stories and recipes.
I think Melissa is a breath of fresh air. Her show would make it because she can relate to the women across America who are trying to stick to a budget and cook a good meal for their family eveynight while offering variety. Micheal is sickening and Debbie is a liar.Jeffrey seems to be a god cook and he would be enjoyable to watch. I cannot understand why Susie thinks Micheal is charming and plays well to the audience. He is the worst pick, maybe you should be watching him with a real audience of people who watch your channel. He is disgusting and totally disorganized which would make anybody crazy! Jamica just froze last night– Jeffrey did not know what to do.
Susie:
I have a question. Are the contestants given “pickle guidelines” for handling situations like Jeffrey was faced with on the RR show? (Pickle as in being in a pickle.)
As a former journalist, and a sometime media trainer, people pay me big bucks to learn how to handle interviews, as both the interviewee and interviewer. I have two basic guidelines: be prepared, never “wing it,” and dead air kills a show. I suggest people come with one or two personal stories or questions to themselves (”I am somtimes asked. . .”)in case dead air pops up.
Susie, as I am sure you know, some people have a natural talent for dealing with bad talk show situations, but most don’t. And Jeffrey’s response to Jamika’s clam-shell act was the most natural response: Fill up the dead air. There was no guarantee she was capable of responding to simple questions (she looked shut down) and he simply did the best he could to save a bad situation.
And if he didn’t receive advance training on how to handle this situation, I think you simply have to give him a pass.
Jeffrey is awesome, and Jamika is lame. If he shines and she just stands there, it should show you who will be a great addition to the Food Network line up. I vote for Jeffrey! And you guys need to lay off about the “personal story” line. No one cares. Jeffrey has what it takes. I’d watch his show.
Hi Suzie,
I think all of you, as judges, have a difficult job every week. I think you all grasp that these people really want to do this. I think you all take into account their heart in the whole scheme of things, which is why you made a great choice with Guy and Aaron, 2 of my favorites. If I had to give my opinion on who has the heart, from where I’m sitting I’d go with Jeffrey or Melissa and in that order.
I’m 54 and so I remember what Bobby Flay was like Episode 1; what Giada was like for Episodes 1-5 or even 6, I’m dating myself but i even remember mario Batale, but I think that was PBS.
Speaking of PBS, have you taken in a cooking show there? Creative, spontaneous and interesting, not 30 minutes of the same thing. Give the host of the show some creativity and let them do something else besides an appetizer, entree, dessert and a drink!
Also, instead of rerunning the shows to the point where I can recite dialogue, put Giada on after midnight, or Michael Chiarello, I would even watch Tyler Florence, although I agree with the other comments about his nastiness and attitude during the NFNS.
I think you may want to get Sonny Anderson on the next season just to see if she makes the cut, can’t see how she would!
hey susie i know the finalists are heading to miami next if i dont see jameka face on can you elimate her and for the title could you have michael,jeffrey and debbie
and michael the winner
Ok, I like food. I like to cook. I like to learn about cooking. But I want to have my food and eat it too. I want to eat well and look great also. I don’t go to restaurants where the chef is over weight… I’m not likely to watch a food network show where the host is over weight. Being over weight does not make you a bad person, but it says you make poor food choices. That’s not a FoodNetwork Star quality. That’s All.
I have to say that I was shocked that Katie was eliminated rather than Michael. What was behind that decision? Katie rocked the house on Rachael’s show and has been improving steadily (IMO) over the last 3 episodes. Michael, on the other hand, has gone from being great to scattered, disorganized and distracted. I realize she served a couple thing undercooked, but I still felt like Michael was the better choice to GO!!
P.S. Melissa seems to be a shining star and I could see her being a BIG success.
Here is in order of how I would rate them on what I have seen week to week so far.
1. Melissa - I would really watch this show because I am a stay at mom also and would really make some of dishes she makes.
2. Jeffery - I like him and would also watch his shows. I think he is equal with Melissa (but I would rather watch Melissa have her own show).
3. Shamika - She is ok - was great at first, who knows maybe she will come back around the next few weeks.
4. Michael - I don’t really like him at all - but if it was down between him and Debbie I would rather watch Michael. (Well, maybe neither)
It was a tough call this week. Katie, Jamika and Michael all crashed and went down in flames. The camera is really tough. Love all of you judges, I met Bobby in his resteraunt in Vegas and he’s just as nice in person as he comes across on TV. Signed my cookbook! it’s a treasure! Are you really in Miami this week or did you pre film I would die to be an audience member. No matter what I’ll be watching
beginning with Jeffrey and Jamika, Jeffrey barn stormed, Jamika, begining in the grocery store, it was all “His” choices, he is somewhat of a self serving bully SUZIE!!!
and who can think of a great enthuastic hype for beans and franks (Jail food)?? Please.
Michael is amusing to the certain type that likes, flamboyant types, but he canno’t preform in front of the camera, he should be back home already.
Debbie is such a cry baby she has no place on a cooking show, she needs to grow up, and stop lying, and she is not entertaining at all.
I feel melissa is the most intelligent person left standing, and I believe , if given a chance to have her own show, and didn’t have the “Team” stabbing her in the back, would make a very entertaining cook, and bring something the Food NetWork doesnt have, A Mom, she feels like she has to jump through hoops, to please Susie, because she is the one singled out to always carp on. GIVE her a break she has talent and durability.
was not happy that Jamika could not even jump in and speak about her food. Michael is noying in the competion. Everything is always focusing on him and his wife and their travels. he needs to learn to share the spotlight with the other team members.
where did Jamika get her shirt (lime green tunic?) i love it!
Jeffrey did NOT steal Jamika’s thunder. you cannot steal what someone never had. She never STARTED their little stint with any fire, so there was no fire from her to steal. I agree with him, what was he supposed to do - it was LIVE! I like Jamika - she’s my favorite female left except for Melissa. But the “Jeffrey stole her thunder” thing is ridiculous.
I also think Debbie is a manipulator. I almost puked when she told Teddy that she had a problem with his integrity. (Remember she said this because he didn’t take ownership of the crappy dessert. Yet that is EXACTLY what she did in episode ONE! She made that “executive decision” to buy that CRAPPY store-bought sponge cake for dessert and then said it was a collaborative effort!) HELLO! Does noone remember that but me? That’s one of the reasons I think fans voted for her to go home in week one. I guess everyone is forgetting that now. I also hate how she always has to bring up that she’s Korean. Do the other contestants say, “you know, I’m white so I gotta’ add some of this” or “you know, I’m black so I gotta add some of that”? NO! Because it’s STUPID!
I can’t stand Michael either. I like his personality okay. But I’m sorry, ANYBODY who looks at the camera and thinks of “the pits of hell” does not believe in front of one for their career. Wake up Michael. The camera is not “judging you”. It does not think or feel ANYTHING about you. YOU have the problem - not the camera. It is an OBJECT. That would be like me looking at a book on a bookshelf and saying it’s judging me. Grow up.
I LOVE Jamika, but loving her personality and loving her as a food network star are two different things and I wish the judges would wake up to that. I could hang out with Jamika all day long and never get bored. But how many times does she have to be in the bottom 3 before the judges stop giving her a repreive because they like her?
I guess you all know by now my favorites are Jeffrey and Melissa. They each annoy me a little in almost the exact opposite way though. Jeffrey needs to stop being so boring - to liven up some. Melissa needs to lay off the expresso - calm down a bit.
That’s your final two right there. Jeffrey & Melissa
Whichever one can fix their problem (whether it be calming down or livening up) will win. JMHO
Oh one last thing Rachael Ray, is so judgemental, and if anyone watched her show today, she forgot what she was doing a few times, and her food is repititous , and not exciting, she can’t even bake? that’s a well rounded cook?
Do you choose the next food network star based on how annoying they can be or does it have something to do with the ability to actually cook?
loril7 on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 am
That’s easy: it’s about annoying the viewers.
When did FN stop being about food and cooking? I miss some of the great chef/instructors who actually taught me something I could use.
At the end of each episode, the judges frequently comment on how the contestants did “this week”. Do the challenges for each episode really take a week to accomplish, or is that just said for convenience? What is a typical schedule for the contestants during the competition?
Katie was the right person to go home this week. Jamick got herself so upset she couldn’t function and jeffrey filled in nicely but giving himself up to criticism. I think eventually you are going to have to get rid of Melissa. No one like the “know it all girl” from last year and Melissa is very similar. (By the way, I can’t find her name on this site.) And if you are thinking of bringing
Cory on, I don’t know why, but Melissa is as bad as she was. Cute, smily, but nothing else anywhere.
Jeffrey has skill, talent, charisma, and is a bit different than any other show you are now airing. Don’t repeat yourself and don’t go with cute. This is the FOOD NETWORK not american idol.
Please expound on your comments about Jeffrey on RR. I agreed with your brief comment about Jamika shutting down. What was Jeffrey supposed to do? Cook, explain his cooking and also serve as her analyst? In my opinion, he handled a difficult situation well. When Jamika did start talking, her graciously stepped aside.
What do you see in Debbie? I fine her whiney and uninteresting. It is like Lisa last year. You see something different than the public. But we are the ones that watch. We will not tune into a show featuring a flat person who has shown on so many occasions to be a manipulator. I tend to want to watch someone I would choose as a friend. She would not be the one.
Susie; good luck to all three of you judges. I have watched all the Food Network Stars shows. I have always had a favorite for each series and one or two others that I wouldn’t mind winning if the person I liked best didn’t win. But boy! This years group - I can’t find one that I would want to watch. I’ll continue to watch but maybe you should just flush these last five and start over.
When will Melissa go home? I cannot bear to watch her. She is syrupy and phony and that bit about having skirt steak on their birthdays? Please! I have 9 grandchildren, four children and never once have one of them been excited about having steak as toddlers. I think she’s a liar and makes things up as she goes along. I feel absolutely no ruth coming from her. Michael or Jeffrey!!
I have a problem that in spite of Debbie’s dishonesty and “victim” attitude, Susie, you give her a pass and talk about being her fan. Yes, Katie was the logical one to go this week, but Debbie should be gone by now strictly based on dishonesty. I will never watch a show she is on. If it’s a group effort, her section will be when I go take my shower.
I think the challanges are too hard. This is suppose to be about how good someone’s television show will be, not about if they can cook a gormet burger in 20 minutes. I still have no idea what kind of show any of the remaining contestants would have and I think I should by now. Yes, Melissa is annoying, she’s like an Osmond.
Yes, Katy needed to go. But why is Debbie still here? She’s dishonest. She makes a patently unsafe move in the kitchen, gets clocked and blames Michael. Why does she keep getting a pass? Why, Susie, do you keep on with the fan routine? She’s a one-trick pony who can cook.
Hi Susie: This may be long since it’s my first time writing. I just want to make a few comments about last night’s show. One, I was dissappointed that Katie was sent home. It should have been Michael; he seems to be a first rate cook, but I find his personality too extreme and he looks like he could use a good scrubbing. I would/will not watch his show should he win. I don’t see him ever warming up to the camera.
Two, it seems you are really prejudiced in favor of Debbie. She does have a camera friendly personality and also seems to be a good cook, but going back to the 1st episode, she was blatantly untruthful about the shopping trip; she didn’t get key ingredients for other contestant’s recipes (Katie) and I forget who had to use the Angel Food cake. When called on it, she just sort of shrugged it off like, “Oh Well”. She also tries to play on her Asian heritage, but it seems very theatric to me. I don’t like her and I would/will not watch her show.
I thought Katie on the other hand, improved her product last week and this week (although I wasn’t able to taste it) and she has genuinely tried to learn from all the advice given by the judges.
I liked Jamika up until this week. She was doing great as long as she received positive comments, but this week, she just didn’t participate. I don’t think Jeffrey can be blamed for that. It seemed to me he was trying to engage her and even pull her along, she had a poor little me look on her face during both segments of the show last night. I’m not sure she could handle the pressures of having a show. I saw real improvement in Jeffrey; he’s trying to present himself more and I think he did a decent job cooking this week given he had little support from Jamika.
Melissa continues is a constant; she cooks well and she does well with the camera most of the time. She can handle constructive critisism and she learns from her mistakes. I would watch her show should she win.
Bottom line, eliminate Michael this week and Jamika next week if she doesn’t do an amazing turn around.
I’ve made up my mind that Melissa should win, but I also think Jeffrey should be given serious consideration. I think he will do well if he can just get over the jitters.
Lynda Bryant (dedicated FNTV viewer), Woodstock, GA
It is my opinion that you run a danger with the FoodNetwork “stars” providing comments and judgements on the “next star” series. Reason being, I have put people like Giada, Tyler and Alton in a whole different light. They REALLY come across as major league jerks, to put it nicely! Even Bobby seems different to me, especially since we know his background so well! On their shows, we are still supposed to have this feeling about them as sweet people yet they come on and have no smiles, no kindness whatsoever. How close was Giada to being axed initially? Again, my opinion and that of my wife’s is that we just do not feel the same about these stars when viewing their shows after their appearances. They now seem SOOOO phoney!
The real star of this season is Adam Gertler..his commentary is right on the money, very funny and very sharp. Keep it up, Adam!
I’m glad to see you took all the shows into consideration when you made your decision. At this point in time, Katie just wasn’t TV material. Good call.
I was glad to see you all finally calling Debbie on her Korean comments. She has said the same thing week after week and I don’t remember her cooking anything Korean.
Jeffrey comes across as a gentlement. I truly believe it wasn’t his intention to steal the spotlight from Jamika.
Besides Aaron, what other contestants had a fear of the camera and were able to overcome it.
Good call on Katie.
What I don’t understand is why Debbie is still on the show. She lied on the first episode by saying that she did not go over budget and, threw her teammates under the bus by not buying some of the ingredients that thay asked for. This show is supposed to be about integrity and honesty. She seems to lack both. I am glad to see that others that watch the show seem to agree with me!
Wow, these chefs are acting like they are in culinary school,and Jamika’s body language,and facial expressions gave you and indication she would crash and burn, she lost her confidence…
Helen on July 6, 2009 at 8:20 pm
AMEN!!!!I agree 100%!!!!
Didn’t you ever hear of the Sneaky Chef?? They have a best selling cookbook and have been all over. Thats where Melissa got her recipe. She didn’t invent the idea like Bob gave her credit for. Why not give the sneaky chef a show. That would be a winner for Moms like me.
Can you tell me what happened to Lisa from last year’s competition? I though she was absolutely fantastic for Food Network - a breath of fresh air and so sophisticated with recipes that I would cook in a heartbeat. Still sorry she lost.
Am I the only who thinks the next FNS is a “southern grown Korean” snake?
Nom way I would take food advice from Michael. He’s lacking in any hygiene.
All I can say now is how disappointed I am after watching the episode clips on RachaelRayShow.com. The editing done by the producers of TNFNWS simply goes to show how the bottom 3 contestants got there on the episode 5 aired 7/5/09. The bottom 3 were as good as the top 3, but you didn’t show that. You have it all set and I think that once again I will find myself tuning into the classics and turning off the newcomer, who will fall by the wayside after the obligatory 13 episodes.
As I stated on an earlier episode post…my question still remains to be answered…is FN going to give us something of integrity and dynamic good food or just another rehashed format with a different face?
Whoops! I meant “no”
Love this show!!! But I am confused that the fans seem to want someone other than the person that wins. I was for Adam or Lisa last year and Aaron won - this year I am totally against Debbie for many reasons and I just have a feeling with the way the judges love her that she is the winner and it will diappoint me. I do agree with the judges choices most of the time but not on the first program of this season - I really think Debbie should have been sent home because she was team leader and ended up not caring enough to get all the ingredients her team members needed - that was not fair to the others.
Not sure why you judges love her and gush over her each week but I do know you know more than I do LOL.
I agree with most of the people on Debbie, but you are going just a little hard on her. Jeffery is a great chef and I am hoping he wins because he is a joy to watch. Michael is nice to see on TV. He would be my second choice to see as the winner, but I would like to see Jeffery win. Melissa is a good chef but I don’t quite know if she is fit for the job. I am very excited Aaron McCargo Jr. won last year! He was an amazing cook, best yet! But on the other hand, I am happy Katie got kicked off, I didn’t think she would be that good with the job. Jamika is … OK. Anyway GO JEFFERY
OH - as far as Jeffrey stealing Jamika’s thunder i think he saved them - it appeared Jamika froze and Jeffrey had to keep going or the team would have looked bad. I am proud of him for jumping in and taking control of an uncomfortable situation as the judges even commented on. Very happy to see Melissa being appreciated for how far she has come in the competition. I am hoping Jeffrey or Melissa wins but I will not count on it so I won’t be disappointed when the judges choose Debbie.
I agree that Melissa is a good cook and can handle herself in front of the camera but she is a little bit too much of a know it all and that really turns people off. No one likes the teacher’s pet or suck up.
I wish the competition fit more with actually becoming the Next Food Network Star. When Guy was on the show, each week really focused on being a food tv star. They competed in their presentation skills, honing in on their culinary point of view, and their cooking skills.
Now, it seems like the show is trying to compete with another popular network’s cooking show, and not focusing on being a food network star. What do almost any of the competitions have to do with having a tv show? It’s no wonder most of them were so ill-prepared for Rachael Ray’s show… they hadn’t received any feedback on being on tv, short of a few random side pieces to the individual challenges.
The reason that Guy is so successful is he was properly screened and given amazing feedback. Why not return to that model? That is what made the show so great! Now it just seems like a pointless knock-off to other cooking shows. There is nothing special left. It was special, because it was about becoming a tv star, not being a tv star who has to jump through insane hoops, but has no tv presence and no helpful feedback.
I am glad that Jeffrey kept talking had he stopped there would have been dead silence on the set, which you do not want on a TV show. If Jaminka had something to say she should have spoken up. I do not understand why she was so afraid to say something during the prep for the challenge. I think if she does not feel up to the challenge no one else can give her the confidence she would need to be the star of a show.
I watch each and every season. This season I like Melissa and Jamika. Sorry but they have the best camera sceens and the best personalities. Keep this up. I watch all weekend. Also, what happened 2 seasons ago, the gal finally got there but she didn’t have a screen personality but she could cook.
What’s with doing the team cooking? It reminds me of all the awful times in grade school when the teacher would assign a person a partner so it would be a duo project. At best, it always sucked. Much like throwing geese and turkey’s together-yes, they are all birds but they don’t necessarily jive together. Also would like to see these people get out of their cooking comfort zone of things they like to make. Thought a food network star should be capable of many different kinds of cooking cuisine, and not just their specific venue that they like.
Good call sending Katie home. Now, the next thing to do is end our torture and give Debbie the ax for her lack of trustworthyness. If she cann’t be trusted in the contest, how does the FN think she can be trusted with a TV spot?
Jeffery is holding his own. Poor, poor Michael needs a psyc evaluation. Where there not cameras recording him on the video where he was messing around and doing impersinations of his fellow contestents? I think he just can not handle the pressure nor would he be a stable host. Melissa has the least so called professional experience, but has managed to hold her own with the others. Who do you think watches daytime FN? Professional Chefs, the rich and famous with endless monies, or stay at home moms, with 2 plus kids, limited amount of cooking time and limited amount of monies to pay for the food? Yes, she would need to work on her presentaion times, not to fast or to slow, but isn’t that what production people are for. Please judges be fare. You are aking these people to do almost impossible tasks. And don’t be so critical of their choices of flavor. I have seen quite a bit of Bobby Flays meat cooked black/burned on the grill. I hate the taste of burned beef, but hey
he’s made a great carrier out of it! Yes, lamb and chicken must not be served raw, but just because a fire extinquisher is not needed with the meal doesn’t mean it’s not good. And don’t get me started about the not creative enough statement. Take away Rachel Rays burgers and stoups and what’s she got left? and I love her shows.
One question left. Why are we spending time on this when the decision has already been made and nothing we say is really going to matter?
Katie got a raw deal from the judges. She’s taking instruction and getting better each week. Jamika has only gotten worse. Jamika should have been sent home. There shouldn’t have even been a discussion. Jamika is worthless and brings nothing to the table. You keep saying Jefferey is likable and I don’t see it. It appears that you will be carrying Michael, Just like Aaron last year, for his cooking talent. Hopefully you’ll get rid of him before we’re told to watch another unwatchable show like Aaron’s. Michael isn’t likeable he’s a buffoon. Let’s hope you can pick a star out of the bunch. You comments lead me to believe that you can’t but I can still hope.
Hello Susie,
We keep hearing comments from the judges bemoaning the lack of television presence.
Does FN give training during the week to help improve the contestant’s on-air presentation?
If no, that’s sad. Michael is the diamond in the rough. I think he will improve with training.
Thanks,
Scott
Susie, first of all, I love your hair! But if you had to pick one, which is better to have being the next Food Network Star, being a good cook on TV, or having a great personality on TV?
I am so disappointed now that I watched the film clips on RachaelRayshow.com. It is obvious the producers of TNFNWS edited out the bottom 3 from the clips to suit the decision of elimination. Not that it changes the outcome, just makes it so much more obvious and reinforces the lack of integrity of the programming. I doubt I will ever watch more than the first episode of whoever wins and that person probably won’t make it past the obligatory 13 episodes of filming. I asked this question once before and will again…just what is FN interested in providing in new programming, something innovating or just another rehashed format with a new face? In any case, I will stay with the classics.
Hi Susie, I am a HUGE fan of NFNS. I watch religiously. I’ve read the comments here and I’m surprised that NOBODY has commented on the way Michael is always scratching his sweaty head while cooking. He takes that disgusting hat off and scratches away then goes back to cooking. The women don’t pull their hair back…it’s shocking. Eons ago when I took Home Ec we were required to wear hairnets while cooking. I don’t get why this problem is not addressed.
hey, susie
last year each finalist gets to “work” with rachael ray on the show for 5 min. this year 2 finalists have to “share and compete” that 5 mins.
I doubt any chef can do well. I feel horrible watching it. if the test was so difficult to achieve, the audiences would have hard time to enjoy the show. don’t you think this mid term is a bit too hard?
As someone who’s become obsessed with this “NFNS juggernaut” to point where I’m actually reading comments on the episodes and watching bonus footage wherever I can find it, I want to add in my own two cents.
I think the judges are doing a tremendous job and I have agreed with every criticism they have made. I don’t know how much input the judges have in the way the episodes are edited, but when you see the disparity between the footage on RR by the contestants shown in the Sunday night episode and compare it with the clips on the RR website (the whole 5 minutes for each pair is there) you can see where the 5-minute segments were pared down to illustrate what the judges criticized in the contestants.
None of the contestants’ performances in the full clips are as bad as they appeared on the edited episode. However, I would like to state here and now that I personally think anyone who really thinks that the show is “rigged” or biased toward a particular contestant or that the judges are being anything but completely forthright, and is STILL watching the show and posting here, is either naive or plainly lacking in mental faculty. If you believe that the show is rigged, that for some reason FN has taken it upon themselves to perpetrate a great big hoax just to force upon the public a personae that they have the simple prerogative to “NOT WATCH”, I think you have bigger issues that who’s going to be the NFNS.
That said, I would like to say “Thanks” to Susie, Bob and Bobby, and wish luck to my personal favorites in the competition (who shall remain nameless).
What on Earth makes Debbie Korean because she uses “garlic”? That was the most absurd thing I have ever heard.
I have to admit I was floored that after Michael vocalized his fear of the television cameras that he was not the one sent home this week. Not to mention that if Debbie had been sent home two weeks ago that wouldn’t have been soon enough, but she’s stilllllll there.
I just remember back to the “baby” days of FN and fondly remember the shows that weren’t perfect …. but I forget you make the TNFNS competitors dance to a different tune.
My question is - which episode was it that had Rachel , Paula, or Ina cooking something up WITH someone who basically wanted her job? …. Oh wait .. NEVER!! I do not understand the pairing up of the competitors, do you not get that these people are competing against each other and one could really care less how well the other does?? And as far as Katie not looking at the camera - Debbie didn’t either - she was looking at RACHEL!
I think Susie made an incredible faux paus in my book. I would think it would be highly inappropriate to tell one contestant that you are a big or huge fan of theirs in front of other competitors. That would definitely make me feel that no matter how well I did it wouldn’t matter because I know that someone else is the favorite. Hmm.. that MUST be why Debbie has made it so far because it certainly isn’t her “soy sauce in everything” recipes.
That’s my two cents from Oklahoma where “southern” people have an accent…..
I am getting tired of NFNS. After last year; picking Aaron over Adam I thought the show was rigged. I believed that they were trying to diversify their audience and the need for another African American Males face was more important than the merits of the contest. And then you gave Adam a show - which if I saw the rating I would bet Adam’s show is doing better than Aaron’s show.
Now fast forward to this year. Jamika or Michael, but I wonder what demographic we are trying to fill now. If the show was based on each persons weekly performance Katie shouldn’t of went home. Jamika fell apart and has had 2 rough weeks not one. Michael flat out told you the camera scares him. I bet the wife before the last commercial ended before the results that Jamika wouldn’t leave. I was right!!
I am appaled that some of Michael’s comments (gay related) are allowed on a G Rated program my 3 kids want to watch. On top of it he needs a wardrobe consultant and a shave (what’s up with that scarf?).
So I will state it again after last years debackel (when I would like to mention the boards were taken down because people were ticked off) that NFNS should be given to the viewers to vote on and they get 1 of the votes with the other 3 judges. Let us have a voice and then show the results of the viewers and the 3 judges.
FOOD NETWORK keep this show above aboard and stop trying to fill a demographic, let the best person win!!!
I too would like to see the fans vote for who should win. While I agree that it was Katie’s time to go, I am getting tired of Debbie’s stating that she is Korean. It was about time she was called on it.
By the way, thank GOD I do not have to see any more of Adam Gertler than necessary. I had the misfortune of seeing his “arm-chair judge” icon on here. As if the commericials alone for his DESPERATE “will-work-for-food” show wasn’t bad enough, now y’all put an icon of him on here.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help make him GO AWAY!!!
Were those real kids on the first segment of the show or just midgets? What kind of prep did that little boy get to be so clever? And was the little girl on the end real or stuffed?
I was also shocked that Michael shared his fear of the television cameras! And the fact that he was not the one sent home this week, because of this. My question would be, If Michael is uneasy in front of the cameras how is he going to host his own show, and appeal to the viewers at the same time?
Seems the present Food Network stars don’t have to meet the standards they are applying to the contestants. Further, I have a fresh food challenge: what would any of these folks make with the following ingredients? spaghetti, bre, basil, garden fresh tomatoes, plus basic pantry items. It would be nice to see a REAL fresh food emphasis.
My wife and I are wondering how much the decisions of the judges are made based on whether a contestant fits a niche that has not covered already on the food network. Does a “stay at home mom”, or a “flamboyant” etc. personality, that is not already on the air come at all into play?
I know this comment will offend some but I think it’s a legit point. I have issues watching Debbie cook. She is a bigger girl and I know that I would never cook anything that she had on a show for fear of gaining weight. I love Paula and Barefoot Contessa though. I don’t know if it’s because they are older or what but there is just no way. I HOPE she is not the ’star’.
Why did Katie go home instead of Jamika? Jamika’s dish was bad, she did horribly on The Rachael Ray Show, and this wasn’t the first time. She really hasn’t been doing all that well the last few weeks.
“They now seem SOOOO phoney!” I agree with Mike Schwenkner. I expect them to provide relevant, constructive feedback and challenge the contestants with their questions. Just don’t be an a@@ about it.
Is Bob Tuschman gay? Is he single?
I agree that Debbie lacks in integrity and should be voted off. I still can’t figure who will be able to pull this off. I think maybe Melissa with a little more work or Jeffery if he can lossen up a little. I guess that we will see won’t we. I think that Michael is a great chef but trying too hard to empress everyone. It would be hard for me to watch him every week. I know that your jobs must be very difficult and I think you are doing a great job.
Deb,
You said: “I can’t believe no one has commented about Micheals comment about “he could just make out” with Bobby Flay. I thought he was very intertaining until I heard that come out of his mouth.”
Homophobic much? Also he wouldn’t actually do that, he was just really happy and making a joke. You shouldn’t let 1 sentence completely change or at least have a huge impact on what you think of him.
P.S. Entertaining is spelled with and “e” not an “i”
nd perfect all the time. Fake!
I hope Melissa goes home soon. Very fakey and annoying.
Do you fail to eliminate contestants who clearly do not rise to the level of “winner” because the person is good for the rating of the Food Network Star Show? And how much of the decision to include a contestant for entertainment value when it is rather clear that absent a miracle he or she could not win? I ask these questions because the elimination decisions are unpredictable. I happen to think the casting for this season was the worst ever. I know that some believe that a strong reaction is better than no reaction at all but I strongly disagree in its application for this show. This season’s challenges are silly and as a result I have no clue if any of these people can cook delicious food. On the other hand, given your answer about it’s easier to teach cooking than talent, I don’t see any really talented people. With regard to the show contestants, I like Jeffrey for the win. Someone like Michael would have been good but he is poorly groomed (and I don’t mean style but he’s sooo sloppy that its unappealing. Katie has odd eyes, sorry, and she needed to go first. If Debbie wins I’m outta here and won’t watch anymore. So she got tapped with a pan - look at what real chefs endure - scalding water, burning pans, late and long hours. Give me a break!! Then, Melissa is nice but she is so very ordinary. When I watch TV I want to see TV stars, not my next door neighbor. I can get ordinary anywhere.
Since the NFNS has already been chosen, it doesn’t matter much what we think now.
What I feel is needed, is for us to have a platform to express our views and opinions on the shows currently on the Food Network. We are the ones who watch it, and we are the ones who control the channel selector. One would think that the producers would want our input.
Some of the shows are getting a little tiring…..and repititous……..and please, this is cooking, could we remind you, a little modesty in your appearance!! We want to cook, not look at skin!
Hi Susie,
This is one of my favorite shows on FNC! You guys are doing a great job being objective and offering great advice.
I’ve noticed, throughout the shows seasons, many contestants have had difficulty dealing (in one way or another) with the cameras. Do most want to become a contestant in the show because they love food, love to create food, love people to eat their food, etc or because they want to be a movie star? Do most lack an understanding of the mechanics of camera work or the taping of a show?
I know FNC is looking for someone who is NOT ONLY a great cook but also has the (ON camera) personality to grab the audience and make them them become loyal viewers! I feel some past contestants have had great personalities OFF camera, were great cooks, yet lost due to their inability to deal with the cameras.
My question is - Should FNC allow someone who is familiar with cameras and taping of shows offer and/or critiques to the contestants throughout the season? Possibly, prior to the beginning of the series, prior to and after their 1st “live” episodes, or whatever is deemed appropriate? In the long run, I think it would benefit the audience and the FNC channel if you incorporate this aspect into the show. I believe it would ease some of the contestants stressors and then, in turn, allow them to better show the judges and the audience what they are really made of!!
In closing,
I vote for Michael. He appears to be a great cook and has a fun, quirky personality. He shows genuine caring and love for others and towards food! He would be a great asset to FNC! My vote is to oust Debbie. I feel she possesses great camera presence yet seems uncaring and manipulative to others and to food. I am also sick of hearing how Korean she is!! Since when is garlic Korean? Melissa or Jeffrey would be my second vote for winner. Melissa struggles with the camera just as Michael does. She reminds me of a bad Sandra Lee! Jeffrey reminds me of boring zen personality!
In closing, I hope you comment on this email. Thank you for your time.
I think Jeffrey and Jamika are great. I agree with those who do not like Debbie. She does only what little she chooses then manipulates to make the other person look bad. Then she makes herself a martyr. Yuk! I have a mother already if I want to experience that.
I find the show entertaining on so many different levels. I am curious why one is eliminated and another is not. I suppose it all boils down to who the three of you like the most on any given day. Will viewers ever have the opportunity to cast a vote that matters?
Yes, so far you’ve gotten rid of the right ones. I’m just thinking back to last year’s show. I would definately not have picked Aaron McCargo and I don’t watch him after the first time and how did Adam Gertler get involved? He’s the worst. I hope this year’s picks are better.
I understand about Katy and the undercooked food, but she was doing better and she did better on the Rachel Ray set than Michael did-he is so afraid of the camera-how can he be considered a star? He has no camera presence.
Have you ever considered changing the format to something similar to Dancing with the Stars where the viewers and the judges decide who stays and who goes-that might make things a little more interesting. Afterall, it is the viewers who will make or break a show…
i’v been watching fnw for years. I watched Julia before fnw was even thought of and was fasinted because she taught basics.
90
% of the shows I like and can find something I can change into a meal for my family. I find it hard to watch challenge after challenge because it is not something that applies to my life as a throw it together woman. I challenge myself on time and taste not extremes. i’m not a chef but i can make a mean meal. I want basic ideas and i can make my own rendition. If you were to ask me what i have tried per recipe off of any show i’ve watched I do have a few…Alton, Anne, Ellie,Guy,Giada,Paula and Jamie. They explain to me why what I’ve done for years works with a twist and thats cool to me.I have to explain to 2 boys how to cook with out my help and I’ve learned (and so have they by watching fn) to cook with the foods you like and the spices you like and you can’t go wrong. If the recipe has more than ten ingriedents it will take too long or we don’t have it on hand so we change it up to fit the bill. Personaly for NFNS Jeffery and Melissa are my faves because they are real people not some chef. If I want chef I go out to eat because it is a treat. No down grade intended for FN staff …the ones I like are real and in this day n age you could use someone who doesn’t waste food and helps explain how to save… like preserve or can foods. You do not need more people on the network just expan their outlooks to meet the needs. FFL
Susie,
I love the Next FoodNetwork Star. Bobby said in one episode that they (talking to the contestants) were the last 7 on the planet to ever have this opportunity. Is the last FoodNetwork Star show? I hope not… I love them!
Susie,
I am so glad you, Bob and Bobby Flay saw right through the self rightousness of Brett and Eddie, and Teddy was just a liar. I would never watch a show with someone who is obviously void of integrity no matter how well they cooked. They were looking down on Melissa because she is just a “cook” as one of them said. Do they not watch your network? Your most popular shows, Paula Dean, Rachel Ray, Barefoot Contessa, to name a few, are all just “cooks.” They got what they deserved, FIRED!
I like all of the last 5 contestants very much and would watch any of their shows but for different reasons: Jamika, she is so sweet but she better pull it together! Melissa seems to come with simple dishes that I could probably even make, plus busy mothers can relate to her. Michael is just plain funny but he’s got to get over his camera phobia. And Jeffery, well he is just great to look at, who cares what he cooks. However, I was a little disappointed in Jeffery in episode 5 because he could have engaged Jamika more, instead he rambled on about himself (and his story made no sense) but it is ultimately Jamika’s job to step up and take her turn in the spotlight and she did not do it.
Anyway, I am glad you 3 are deciding and not me. I can’t wait for the next show, I’ll be watching!
Seriously folks! When you walk up behind someone with a hot tray who is taking a hot tray out of the oven, and turning it toward the counter, shouldn’t you stop. Even if he hadn’t hit Debbie with the tray, she could have caused him to knock it out of his hands. I have no doubt that it hurt, but she really milked that for everything. I’m glad the judges took the accident into account, but feel they judged her properly. I wonder if she was looking for more sympathy from them. And how many times did Michael have to apologize to her? She never even responded or accepted the apology. She did walk up behind him, she should have been more aware.
What is the point of commenting? This is all recorded — right? So it’s all over already — right?
However, I’ll post a comment, anyway.
First, I want to say that Michael simply MUST not “win”. This is TV, not radio. The guy seems to want to look like some kind of freak (sorry), and I/we would NEVER watch a show featuring this guy, even if he were some kind of great chef and great personality (which he is not). So I assume he will be dumped.
The others? We’ll see how it goes.
??? I just commented and it disappeared. Why?
I agree with Reisa. Frankly, some of the comments made by Susie are also offensive because they tend to be nasty.
However, the bottom line is that all of us viewers have a button we can push at any time to change channels, and my wife and I think you are slipping down the slope of leaning toward so-called “entertainers” (and often loud, obnoxious ones at that) vs CHEFS from which we can learn.
Beware.
Ye gods, yes - please stop pushing Adam Gertler at us! The guy acts like an idiot and adds absolutely nothing to Food Network!
Susie, I have no idea how you and your assistants have time to go through all these comments and questions but I wanted to comment just in case you do get a chance to read them all.
This year there are no contestants that I really do not like. I’m not fond of Debbie and Jamika but I don’t outright dislike them. Debbie lost me the first week when she just outright lied. Jamika is just struggling and has not found what she needs to pull back into the game.
I love Michael’s character and spunk but it just isn’t communicating on TV all the time. Hopefully he will be able to get over his fear of the camera soon.
I do like Jeffrey although he sometimes comes across to me as pretentious about his food. I think that sometimes that is a real struggle when watching some of the Food Network shows. It does seem that some of the chefs/cooks come across as a bit snobby.
I really do like Melissa. I was incredibly impressed by her trying all the chilies to see how they taste. I appreciate that she cooks the way she does because that is what her family eats. I find it hard to use recipes from chef/cooks because the ingredients are harder to find and I use them once and then never again so I’m spending money on something for one recipe. I think Melissa might provide something for people who don’t normally cook with all kinds of spices and exotic ingredients.
Please, let Debbie go. She has not won any challenges and her only skill seems to be she is at ease in front of the camera. She should have been cut from the first episode after she set up her team for failure by not purchasing what they needed to succeeed that first week. She’s all about Debbie and everyone I know sees that. Why don’t the judges see it???
When I watch a FN show I want to relax on the couch with a cup of fresh coffee and maybe a cookie and enjoy visiting with my “friend.” If Jeffery or Michael would show up at my door and want to try a new recipe in my kitchen, I’d say, “Come on in,” but if Debbie or Michelle showed up I would have to be really busy. We need another man in the line-up. I say Jeffery or Michael.
I watch TNFNS from beginning to end. I record all episodes so that before the finale I can watch them and fast forward through commercials so that I can refresh my memory of everything that has happened. This year seems more snarky than past years. It seems that some of the contestants have no ethical fiber and are more willing than any in the past to do anything to win. I find it disturbing and would only watch a show that a few of the finalists would host. I am tired of Jameka’s “poor me” attitude. She needs to stand up and prove that she has the ability to be a food network star. Michael is not able to catch the audience. He may be fine in person but the camera is not his friend. Debbie is just blah. I am so sick of her bringing up the fact that she is Korean. That is a distraction and not relevant. I like Jeffrey and Melissa. I would watch a show with either one of them. I feel that they are truly connecting with the audience and I like the fact that they bring their kids into the conversation. I would try several of their recipes and can’t wait to see them from week to week. Again, I love this show and will always watch it. I do wish that the show could concentrate more on the people that are interesting and let the rest cry in their soup.
Michael is an embarrassment for the Food Network……..all everyone I know says is “Couldn’t they get anyone better than him in the entire country???” It is nauseating to watch him. ALSO, Debbie has got to GO!!! SHE IS BORING AND TOO INTO HERSELF AND SOMEWHAT “SNOTTY!” YOU FORGET SHE IS EVEN THERE TO COOK! I can’t imagine one person ever watching either her or Michael!
Hello - Please, Please vote out Melissa…She has been the most false, put on an act contestant since day one…She would be so annoying to watch for half an hour on your network…Her presence is very false! She is not natural…You need someone on that network who can can charm the audience with different things..not only that she is a mother and cooks! Big Deal! We all do that but don’t constantly talk non-stop and turn people off!!!!!
Hi Susie! I have a question…Since this is pretaped you will have your star before the series hits the air. If in the event your NFNS turns out to be different than the choice revealed in the fan voting (currently being done on your website) how does that factor into your thinking? Last year Aaron McCargo was your choice and his show is nice, but Adam Gertler seems to have eclipsed him in star power. And the hands down fan fave; Kelsey Nixon, is now appearing on Food2 (SO GLAD…LOVE HER!!) I say all that to make this observation. In the current field of contestants I think it seems fairly clear that Debbie is where you are heading, and I can applaud that. But I have to say that Melissa also seems to possess that “x” factor that could make a Food Network Star. Debbie’s “Seoul to Soul” is a neat angle; but I could easily see Melissa; middle aged mom with young kids (I totally identify with that demographic…many women are waiting to have kids!) having a show from her kitchen with her little ones occasionally being featured. Just an observation that like last year; you may have more than one star in the making!
I absolutely agree with Jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 8:37 pm, “The real star of this season is Adam Gertler… his commentary is right on the money, very funny and very sharp. Keep it up, Adam!” Adam has a skill; the FN recognized it. What a great host!
Comments keep harping on Debbie. Unfortunately, I too can not get Episode 1 out of my mind. If she wins, I need to “understand” Asian food. Speak to those who totally don’t get it and to those that feel comfortable with Asian food.
Judy on July 6, 2009 at 8:18 pm… I can’t find anyone I want to watch either.
Can Debbie make dessert? I have not seen her claim any type of dessert. She did a losey job on the first eposide with her choice of dessert. Then she made Teddy do the dessert and would not help with it. She decided to only do the main dishes. I would like to see Debbie make a decent dessert if she can.
I hope that FN will give some thought to changing the format for next year. Make it a little bit kinder and gentler. For example:
1. No eliminations on the first show. Give everyone a little time to adjust.
2. Give people a chance to prepare a meal that shows their strengths, whether it’s barbeque, French, Creole, etc. They could come to this challenge with the entire meal planned ahead of time.
3. Time has to be part of this, but please determine a way to eliminate the FRANTIC qualitly to this show. When the stove doesn’t work well so the meat isn’t quite cooked, but if the chef had had just five more minutes it would have been fine only makes me nervous at home, too.
4. The crazy shopping in an unfamiliar grocery store is an unnecessary stress. I don’t ever see Giada having to walk into a new store and buy her ingredients in 15 minutes. That’s not part of being a food star.
Anyway, that’s a start. I don’t think Food Star fans want to see Survivor.
I think Debbie is very devious & a liar. I would never watch one of her shows because I don’t trust her. I would never use a recipe of hers because of my feelings.
When Michael made the comment that he’d like to make out with Bobby Flay, I couldn’t believe it!! FN is not on HBO…children watch this program with their moms!! I’m sick of certain things being shoved down my throat when I am NOT exposing myself to such!! I watch FN more than any station, it’s my fav. I would NOT watch Debbie or Michael. I certainly hope they do not win.
Melissa is a doll & someone
I could relate to…I agree that she is calmer than Rachael Ray.
I’d like a show for good ol’ everyday home cookin’. Paula Dean used to be that way but now she does a lot of fancy stuff that I’d never even try…too bad, she used to be “My Gal”.
I also like Jamika & think she’d be someone ordinary people would relate to…she’s a sweetie!
Anyone besides me not like the way the judges try to bring everyone down? I guess because I don’t watch too much reality tv I am not accumstomed to this sort of “entertainment.”
Even asking questions like “did Jeffrey try to steal Jamika’s thunder” are intended to create conflict when this show is supposed to be about cooking (or so I thought). (btw, I don’t think jeffrey was trying to stea her thunder. I watched the whole thing on RR and it seemed like he was doing he part when cooking and she was supposed to do her part when she was cooking except that she didn’t quite interject herself enough)
I like Jeffrey as the next star. As far as the last show where he’s teamed with Jamika, I feel he had to take over since Jamika just shut down. And she and the panel cannot put the blame on Jeffrey, as Jamika could jump in anytime she wanted. I sure would have. I love Michael also. The sweetness of Melissa is giving me a stomach ache.
I am a little confused about your decision to let Katie go. I know she messed up a lot at the beginning, but she more than any other contestant improved based on your critique. She did exactly what you asked for, and started presenting food with some health tips, but not overwhelming or teaching. That could be said for Jeffrey too this week. He went overboard in the other direction, but I guess I was surprised that there was no mention to him that he made a real attempt to share more. What was the real kicker in your decision to let Katie go? And why was Jeffrey in the bottom?
Susie -
I caught the most recent episode and it struck me after watching Debbie that there is no Asian themed programming on Food Network. Shortly after, I came across this blog from a Korean American….mymotherlandkorea.blogspot.com in which there is a recent blog about Korean food. Regardless of who wins, I think Food Network is really missing out on a great opportunity!
No, I don’t think Jeffrey tried to steal Jamika’s thunder. She was standing there like a deer in headlights. And in response to an earlier post…No, you are not the only one who thinks Debbie is a manipulator. I, too, found her lying in the very first challenge to be unforgivable. And I get it…she’s Korean…a one-note-wonder.
Have you considered a common challenge like your program Chopped? It would be interesting to see what the differences would be between the contestants.
I watched last season’s FN Star and find myself asking the same question this season: Are you looking for more “diversity” at FN? Because if you based the elimination on performance this week, Jamika should have been eliminated. This program seems to me to be a very public (an often painful) interview process for the next FN star - but the underlying thing missing in the job description is that you are actually looking for a particular person - whether it be male or female, black, white, asian, young, old…etc. What the viewers do not know is what that criteria is, but it becomes more evident during the elimination process. Good luck.
I believe Jamika was unhappy with the original menu she and Jeffrey prepared. She wasn’t pleased and wanted something different. That’s when she should have spoken up and offered other opinions. Jeffrey doesn’t strike me as the type that would have dismissed her comments. (However, we’re not there) Consequently, her whole attitude from that point on was one of defeat. As a professional she should have risen to the occasion and worked as well as she could and at least shown that beautiful smile. Jeffrey did hog the time a bit but I think that was due to Jamika seemingly NOT wanting to participate much. I think she’ll rally next week and I hope Debbie goes home. She doesn’t think people forget about a little ol’ thing called lying?????
I love Michael. He is so honest and so comfortable just being himself. He’ll learn to relax. I remember reading some crazy things about Rachel’s beginning.
I am delighted to see that other people see Debbie as the two-faced person she is. All three of you seem to be ignoring how nasty she is. Think about this, if she is that nasty to competititors, how will she treat your staff who are forced to work with her? Prima Donna is the only word for her. She also seems to think that being Korean is her excuse for everything. But “garlic”, does she think no other culture uses garlic????
Michael is a hoot but he can’t handle the camera.
Jeffrey did not hog the camera on Rachel Ray; Jamica froze, it was painfully obvious ao he kept going. I like her and sort of like Melissa but I think Jeffrey is your best bet. How valid is my opinion? I loved Aaron but I hated Guy Fieri–now I actually enjoy him on Diners.
Love the show!
Exactly how much do you and Bob and Bobby disagree on these contests? I noticed this week that you look like you’re upset a lot, and that you never look or speak directly to Bobby. Hope these contests are not THAT bad for the three of you. I enjoy watching the contests very much. Hope you enjoy them, too!
I would just like to make a comment on the trials these contestants have to go through, they are more like dinner impossible than ways to judge their cooking competency or on stage presence, it seems to me to stress them so much to perform perfectly within such a time constraint isnt really fair or letting them show what they can really do.
None of the FN stars have to do that with their weekly shows, they are allowed retakes and extra time to make it right and so should the contestants in my opinion.
As for who should go, Debbie, hands down, sure she is comfortable on camera, she can cook but not once, but 3 times she has shown shes not an honorable person, in my book when she did that she lost her credibility. If I hear I am Korean……blah blah one more time, I will just scream.
It’d be a lot easier to comment on who would make a good winner if we knew what you judges are looking for. Someone who’ll be doing the Ted Allen thing on Chopped, where no one learns anything but the contestants and it’s just fun to watch? A Rachel Ray, to learn basics? A Bobby Flay, who is fun to watch as he learns (and shows off ;))? Or someone completely different? I don’t know what that “different” is. Do you as judges know?
I am very disappointed with the contestants this season. There seems to be a lot of back-biting, he said, she did, etc. These are supposed to be adult professionals. Or — is this a put on just to make the show interest? If so, I think it fails. I really looked forward to the new season, but it is not up to the quality one expects from Food Network
Am I the only one who cringes in disgust whenever Michael is on screen? He’s sloppy looking, not funny, and I cannot see this guy having his own show. A show featuring him would flop harder than Aaron McCargo’s. He’s admitted that he hates the camera for Pete’s sake!!! How, oh how, can this blob of humanity be massaged into a Food Network “star”? He’s just nasty, unappealing and it’s just downright wrong that he’s even being considered as a “star”…. Bad choice on this one guys….
Why would you not vote off Jamika? She total froze and seemed to not care at all about the dish she and Jeffrey were making. She should have stepped up and told him it was terrible. No one on Food Network would tell us to make something that they did not test first. (at least I hope not) I love your channel and hope you pick the right person.I think you got the bottom 3 correct this week and I certainly will not miss Katie,but she was better than Jamika on the last episode. Please give all these people a break-they are not tv people-yet, and will need work,but everyone on Food Network is not a great personality.In fact,some are very boring.
Debbie has great talent to make people so comfortable while presentation and also I like her Aisian style. I think she has only talent to make authentic asian as well as American-asian fusion style dish. Actually, in Foodnetwork program there’s no program to describe authentic aisian recipe. They just usually using asian tasting souce. I’m one of the person who has eager to learn aisan style food. And Judge must care about this point.
In case of Mellisa, while see her presentation, Although sometimes feel like familiar, almost her presentation is uncomfortable and quality of program is getting low.
Katie needed to go. Here wide eye look was driving me crazy. Melissa always has a puzzled look. Those two would be extremely hard to watch. Jamika looked as if her focus was miles away. I think Jeffrey and Debbie are the only ones who look comfortable cooking and cooking in front of an audience.
I have several comments to make.
Ways to improve the show:
1. I totally agree with the above comment of no eliminations on the first show. Give everyone suggestions for improvement and then see in the next show how they all improve or not. That to me is a fair way.
2. No more teams of two.
Very unfair, this is about ONE person becoming a FNS. Everyone is trying to put on thier best appearance and doing that does not include or lend it self to letting your partner shine.
3. Judges need to be more constructive in a positive way. The mean spirted,negativity on the judges part is a disturbing trend and NOT entertaining.
4. Juges Do NOt I repeat DO NOT make comments showing favoritizion toward one contestant. I was blown away aboaut Suzies comment about Debbie. And tha fact that they were not edited out. There is a reason there. To stir the pot maybe?
I took the advise of many posters on Bob’s site and watched the ENTIRE demo’s on the RR show web site last night. The editing was so biased, unbelievable. I guess this is reality TV being real. Life is not fair and neither was the editing. It was a hatch job to said the least to discredit those candidates not in favor.
I use to be a big fan of the Food Network but it appears that the network is becoming a cauality of it’s own fame as another poster mentioned. The Neeleys, Aaron McCargo, Adam Gertler are unwatchable in my book. What deographic audiance are you going after these days? You have lost or forgot what you are all about FOOD, being both educational and entertaining. Example, I use to be a big fan of Paula Dean. Now she is over the top on her Paula’s Party. Silly and boring come to mind. Please, I do care for her sons or her husband. They all are living off her fame. On thier own none of them would make it. So stop shoving them down our throats. Paula alone is what I want, silly audiance stuff. Paula and Food period.
I forgot to mention did you know Debbie is Korean, in case you missed it.
I meant to write that I have NO use for Paula’s sons or husband. My fingers did the typing faster than my mind. Sorry
I am an avid cook and entertainer.I would never even turn on these people let alone Michael and his painted hair.I think some of the ingredients you give these people to try and come up with something is horriable.Doesn.t say a thing about their ability to cook.I don’t know where you get these contestants.Are these the best of the best?We need the age group that really know how to cook like Ina,Paula etc.Young people don’t even cook anymore.gigi
I really think Debbie and Melissa are FAKE they look like they are pretending. I REALLY THINK JAMIKA OR MICHAEL SHOULD WIN.
I despise Debbie, she’s manipulative, fake, and boring (really, I got that she’s Korean by now). My favorites are by far Michael and Jeffrey. I was happy to see Katy go. I’m slowly warming up to Melissa, but she strikes me as fake and almost ‘too good for you’.
Of those left, I would never watch a show with Melissa. It’s like watching a manic cheerleader. She may be a very nice person, but she’s coming off as incredibly phony.
I love NFNS. My sisters and I have a standing date throughout the run on Sunday nights. I really, really hated to see Katie go for ONE REASON ONLY: as a new diabetic, I really need to see more healthy choice and educational programs on your network. That being said…she was over due for elimination. Winners can’t serve RAW FOOD!
I love NFNS. My sisters and I have a standing date throughout the run on Sunday nights. I really, really hated to see Katie go for ONE REASON ONLY: as a new diabetic, I really need to see more healthy choice and educational programs on your network. That being said…she was over due for elimination. She possessed the knowledge I need, but was too technical for the medium…and BORING. And OBVIOUSLY: Winners can’t serve RAW FOOD!
A couple comments, while I do kind of like Melissa, she has used several recipes that aren’t original, if that is something contestants are supposed to do. Main one that sticks out is Martha Stewart’s tarts from the first show.
Also, after watching the full episodes on RR’s site, oh my gosh! Jamika did fine!!! So did Michael! The editing and the judges obviously having a predetermined winner is just … I don’t even know. The show is a sham. Period. And like someone mentioned, the “stars” acting so rude on the NFNS, even Bobby, who I have loved, just makes me unable to watch them. I don’t know if this will change.
Susie
I LOVE you and Bob!!!! You are warm and real. I do wish you would please get someone else to judge with you other than Bobby Flay. I think he comes across as very arrogant and self absorbed. Only my opinion of course.
Anyway, my question is why can’t anyone on the panel see that Debbie is a not the sweet innocent thing that she comes across to you. I understand we are only seeing small clips of what the show really is but sometimes you can tell alot about a person in a small amount of time. She is the one that lies and throws people under the bus. I would NEVER watch her if she were the final winner. ANy of the others I would LOVE to watch. I wish Jeffrey, Jamika, Melissa and Michael could ALL have a show. They all have different qualities that make them extremly enjoyable to watch. Melissa, a mom with wonderful tips and a great sense of the kitchen with afamily. Jeffrey, warm, friendly, you want to hang out with him, and he really has great recipes, Michael, I LOVE his funny personality AND he is a great cook. I would watch him to laugh and cook. Jamika vibrant and bright and beautiful. She also has a great sense of food. Anyway, love you both but please reconsider Bobby as a judge next year.
Thank you for listening and considering my comments.
PS One more thing..I think Giada has great recipes too but does she ALWAYS have to show so much cleavage. Just not right.
These contestants are marginal at best, unwatchable in my opinion. Perhaps in a pinch I’d watch Melissa, but only if she can tone it down and be genuine. It would seem the major problem is the original selection process for the contestants, this bunch is bad - so were the ones from the last competition. You’re not going to get a star from this group - at least not one that I would watch. Good grief, red streaked hair and lusting after Bobby Flay, Star?, I think not!!
Can I get Meliisa’s Apple Tart recipe that she did on the Intrepid episode a week ago? She said only her Mother-in-Law makes it better. The judges said that some of the celebrity guests could not eat enough of them, they were so good. I would love to try the recipe.
Thanks! Love the Show!
Did Jeffrey steal Jamika’s thunder? I think so. Even though I like both Jeffrey and Jamika, it seemed as though it would have been really hard for Jamika to get a word in without appearing rude. Jeffrey never gave a pause for her to even jump in. I do realize that this is competition, but with millions of fans watching, rude is rude. Jeffrey should have given Jamika a brake and allowed her a turn to speak.
I was very sad to see Katie go home, I believe she has the personality and point of view to succeed on Food Network. The Food Network currently only have one person for healthy, especially with obesity continuing to grow, I think Katie would have been a perfect addition to The Food Network family! But, what’s done is done.
I do believe that Jeffrey is too predictable, “Sweet, spicy, sweet spicy.” WE GET IT! Also, he didn’t mean to take the spotlight from Jamika, but he should’ve maybe let her start cooking something and then he could just take a moment to catch his breath.
I HATE DEBBIE. Not only would I never watch her show, I wouldn’t watch The Next Food Network Star ever again if she won this season. She lied the very first episode and has been pulling the Korean card ever since. Send her packing already.
I agree with Jacquelin in an earlier post. I WOULD NOT watch Debbie on her own show- she does not seem real. FN needs to bring back what Paula Deen used to do. Someone that seems like a regular person to the audience and cooks REAL food. Especially with the economy we cannot afford all of these fancy items that go in these recipes or the time it takes to make them. I think Melissa has the right ideas- Good,wholesome,family oriented meals that everyone can enjoy. She may be a little heavy on the “cheery”, but some of that may be nerves and trying to make a good impression. I like Jamika’s simpler style of cooking also. I think alot of the audience just wants a down to earth, friendly, fun to watch person who makes good, no-frills meals.
Jamika needs to go! I too am tired of Debbie being Korean but what about Jamika being from New Orleans. She has made mention of it at least two/three times a show…Go back and learn to cook.
I have been watching food network for years. I have seen all the other contest but , to be honest with you Im not 100 precent for any of them if I voted for the winner it would to be Jamika. Debbie at times is boring wih her afterall Im korean I do like asian food but do we have to hear this with everthing she cooks if she would just change up her words at times.The food network is 90 precent of my TV Wathing everyday my faavotite is Racheal Ray .I have watched her grow seems like.The ones I dont watch is Down Home with the Neelys. They get on my nerves to much to watch so I cut my TV off for 30 minutes. I watched when Guy won and he is ok.But I dont think I would want to watch if Melissa was to win not only her but Greg too .And I would have booted the others off that you all chose..And Im kind of glad they are gone Katie and her healty food was really getting to me. Micheal is ok but so nervous.This time you really dont have a lot to choose from.I am one of your biggest fans.I love the way susie dresses always looks so pretty and both Bobs are great also.But as I said I would only pick Jamika. Debbie seems likes she wants every thing her way and Meliissa Seems like she is stuck up on herself.And Greg I think I would probably not watch. Good Luck judges Barbara Conard .
I have been watching food network for years. I have seen all the other contest but , to be honest with you Im not 100 precent for any of them if I voted for the winner it would to be Jamika. Debbie at times is boring wih her afterall Im korean I do like asian food but do we have to hear this with everthing she cooks if she would just change up her words at times.The food network is 90 precent of my TV Wathing everyday my faavotite is Racheal Ray .I have watched her grow seems like.The ones I dont watch is Down Home with the Neelys. They get on my nerves to much to watch so I cut my TV off for 30 minutes. I watched when Guy won and he is ok.But I dont think I would want to watch if Melissa was to win not only her but Greg too .And I would have booted the others off that you all chose..And Im kind of glad they are gone Katie and her healty food was really getting to me. Micheal is ok but so nervous.This time you really dont have a lot to choose from.I am one of your biggest fans.I love the way susie dresses always looks so pretty and both Bobs are great also.But as I said I would only pick Jamika. Debbie seems likes she wants every thing her way and Meliissa Seems like she is stuck up on herself.And Greg I think I would probably not watch. Good Luck judges .Sorry its Jeffery not Greg .Have you all thought about just kicking them all off and start fresh? What happened to the gourmet next door havent seen her lately.Anyway good luck Thank you Barbara Conard
I’m going to throw my two cents in for Melissa and Jeffrey. I would watch a show that either of them were on. I can’t imagine how hard it is to be “natural” in front of a camera when everything is on the line each week. I feel that these two are the most personable and natural as they work on camera and with the others.
I think for all of her skills, Debbie should have been thrown to the curb on the first week. After hearing about how much honesty and character counts, she flat out LIED about the dessert and tried to make everyone else take the fall for it. I haven’t been able to get past that especially with all of her “I’m having real problems with YOUR integrity” line she keeps whipping out like a quick draw artist. She may be a good chef, but in my opinion she has no character.
Bottom line: I will not watch a show featuring Debbie. Period.
Did Jeffrey steal Jamika’s thunder? I think so. Even though I like both Jeffrey and Jamika, it seemed as though it would have been really hard for Jamika to get a word in without appearing rude. Jeffrey never gave a pause for her to even jump in. I do realize that this is competition, but with millions of fans watching, rude is rude. Jeffrey should have given Jamika a brake and allowed her a turn to speak.
I TOTALLY FEEL DEBBIE IS BIGGEST “fAKE.”
FOR HER TO QUESTION ANYONE’S INTEGRITY IS
A JOKE AND A HALF! I DO FEEL JAMIKA,
JEFFERY & MELISSA, ARE GOOD.
I hope nobody wins this time. I do not believe that any of the contestants measure up. I cannot imagine any of them on the same network with Bobby Flay and Ina Garten and Rachel Ray. Sorry.
Hi Suzie the question is did Jeffery steal the show from Jamika is NO!! Jamika has made a cooking school commerical its been on TV. She does not have what it takes to be a star she does not cook good what I have seen her cook I would not want her to cook for me I cook much better then she can matter of fact I can cook better then any one of your stars top be they are not the best and 99% of them went to professional cooking school and are so called a chef its a disgrace to the cooking school they went to not every thing comes out right all the time but don’t give for a taste test please tell the truth it was not good enough to cook I am sorry but she gave such a rotten dish to people in the service who service the USA that is another disgrace have pride in what you do and a rotten dish what Jamika served to all the people just how much ability to cook or hold a TV show I would not want to watch her she has no ability to shine on TV and if she wanted to show how much she wants to be on TV she would have jumped in so jeffery did not steal the show he was trying to hold on the show for her she shut down and she did not care I do think she should have been sent home and not to Fla. I do hope you did not pick her for the next foodnetwork star because she has no ability in my book since her went to cooking school and is called a chef but cooking ability and since she went to make a commerical on TV she should have been better then has showed she self so far she need to be sent home!!!!
My family and I really enjoy most of your programming. However, this is the second season that it is obvious you are trying to fill some ethnic host void. Just like you gave the lady from India more chances then she deserved, Debbie should have been eliminated week one. She over-spent, lied, and did not come back with the needs of the others. In my opinion, your choice of “Big Daddy” was a mistake, and now your on the same path. Sorry, but I think you should look at a new set of judges.
Hi Susie! I just wanted to let you know I am a diehard FN fan! I am hoping that either Jeffrey, Michael, Debbie or Jamika wins this season because I think if Melissa wins it will be similar to when Amy Finley won. Melissa comes across as to “know it all” and I would not watch her show. Thanks.
I’m afraid I have to agree with several of the other posts in that I haven’t seen anyone on this season’s NFNS that I would want to watch every week. I would rather watch re-run episodes of Ina Garten and Alton Brown. Now that is star quality.
I also agree with the comments about the quality of the challenges that they are presented with. You should be setting them up for success instead of failure - how else will you ever see their best performance and their raw talent.
Two more comment:
First, Adam is HILARIOUS. He’s freakin’ awesome. His armchair judge videos have had me cracking up - you guys seriously need to keep him around. If Guy ever gets tired of doing his DDD thing, stick Adam in there.
Second thing; to all the people freaking out about Michael’s make-out comment about Bobby - GROW UP and GET OVER IT. I especially love the people who said “I’m not a homophobe but that’s over the line.” Um… if he was a she named Michelle and said the same thing, you wouldn’t care, so yeah, you are a homophobe. I’m not gay, and honestly he did seem a little obnoxious when the show started, but he’s really grown on me and he has some genuinely funny moments - not to mention that he seems to be hands-down the best cook on the show. And what’s with all the comments about his hygiene? Because he has tattoos, piercings, and/or weird hair? So do Chris Santos, Guy Fieri and Duff Goldman. Or is that just a nice way to comment on him being “queeny” without being called on the carpet for it? Quit with the hate mongering and leave the dude alone. Maybe people like you are one of the reasons he feels “judged” whenever he’s on-camera.
Two more comments:
First, Adam is HILARIOUS. He’s freakin’ awesome. His armchair judge videos have had me cracking up - you guys seriously need to keep him around. If Guy ever gets tired of doing his DDD thing, stick Adam in there.
Second thing; to all the people freaking out about Michael’s make-out comment about Bobby - GROW UP and GET OVER IT. I especially love the people who said “I’m not a homophobe but that’s over the line.” Um… if he was a she named Michelle and said the same thing, you wouldn’t care, so yeah, you are a homophobe. I’m not gay, and honestly he did seem a little obnoxious when the show started, but he’s really grown on me and he has some genuinely funny moments - not to mention that he seems to be hands-down the best cook on the show. And what’s with all the comments about his hygiene? Because he has tattoos, piercings, and/or weird hair? So do Chris Santos, Guy Fieri and Duff Goldman. Or is that just a nice way to comment on him being “queeny” without being called on the carpet for it? Quit with the hate mongering and leave the dude alone. Maybe people like you are one of the reasons he feels “judged” whenever he’s on-camera.
I too think Debbie needs to go. The 1st episode lie and the sympathy she got of getting hit with the sheet pan. Michael clearly told her you are supposed to say “behind”. If you watch other shows or have been behind the scenes in restaurants (as I have) these buzzwords to direct traffic are normal. Of the 5 Michael seems to be the best cook with the broadest culinary experience. At first I thought he was goof but he brings the good. If not Michael, my wife is a huge fan of Jamika. She is the real southern deal.
I adore Michael and am not clear why the “make out with Bobby” comment upsets people. Heck, I’d be upset if someone didn’t want to make out with Bobby. He’s a great looking, talented guy! It wasn’t a problem two weeks ago when Susie said she sided with Bobby “because he’s cuter”, so what’s the issue?
I’d watch a show with Michael in a heartbeat - his sweet, nervous demeanor could be worked in quite easily. He has the cooking talent and charisma, but just needs a bit of coaching to pull it all together. The fact that he readily admits that he has issues in front of the camera is to his credit. He doesn’t try to fake his way through the way Teddy (cringe!) did.
I really hope either Michael or Jamika wins. Bob’s right, they have “star quality”.
I so agree with a lot o the comments I have read. I don’t know how I feel about Debbie, I mean I think she has a lot of culinary knowledge but she doesn’t take responsibility for her own actions and as Glenn pointed out in his blog having honesty and intergrity is part of being a chef and star. But know everyone knows that Susie is a fan of Debbie’s and I wonder if that means something for the future shows. Jeffrey has star qualities as well I think he presents himself with an air of confidence that takes him a long way, I don’t know how he’ll do with his own show. I do feel he could’ve pulled Jamika into the presentation on the RR show but then if one was faced with the oppurtunity to shine would you leave our teammate out to drown. Now as far as Jamika I stated before I do enjoy her, she is sharp and she does draw you in with her personality and smile when it’s visible but as it has been pointed out can she deliver on her own show. Melissa I can relate to being a mother myself. However I can’t stand the sound of her voice either and she goes from being somewhat authoritive to playing the victim. She does need help most of the time and of course she gives a great presentation she probaly host parties in her own all the time as part of the PTA. I have no comment on KATIE NEVER EVER EVER LIKED HER WANTED HER TO LEAVE SOOOOOO BAD. I totally adore Micheal I think he can really deliver the food with the look and taste that we all look forward to in the culinary world. He just needs to quit using the excuse he freezes in front of the camera. Micheal YOU KNOW YOU’RE BEING WATCHED YOU’RE ON A FREAKING REALITY SHOW OF COURSE WE’RE JUDGING YOU….FIND A WAY TO DEAL WITH IT.
Will more recipes for food produced by the contestants be available later? Not very many are being posted each episode.
Susie,
I do not envy you having to read through all these comments. There are a LOT! Anyway, I just wanted to say that I was glad to see Katie go. I really don’t think she has much to offer Food Network. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that she’s into healthy ingredients. Heck, my girlfriend will be a Registered Dietitian in a couple of months. It just bothered me that she kept saying that what she was doing was “healthy.” I mean, I assumed her dishes would be healthier. I didn’t need to keep hearing that it was healthy. We all know baking is healthier than frying. Thanks for the insight!
I would probably like to see Debbie, Jamika, or Michael hit the road next. Debbie’s issues with integrity really annoys me, and it should be a HUGE red flag to you. Jamika probably wouldn’t cook meals I’d like to eat. And Micheal, well, he gives me the willies. I would NEVER watch his show.
Jeffrey seems destined for this network, and I would definitely set my home DVR. I think he got partnered with a weaker personality this week, and Jamika just gave up under the pressure. I don’t think Jeffrey intentionally “hogged the spotlight.” I think he just started rambling because Jamika never showed any excitement to jump in, although, I will say he could have tried earlier in the segment to invite her to speak about the dish, but this is a competition, and she needs to be able to compete without having someone hold her hand.
Melissa is also destined for the Food Network. She’s real, and I think viewers will be able to relate to her a lot better than some of the other contestants because of that. You know, she’s not trained. She’s just like me, it seems. She definitely needs to work on some things, but I think she has the most potential…even more than Jeffrey! She just needs to calm it down a bit and have a little more self-confidence because she definitely has a lot to offer. Although, I saw the preview for next week, and it looks like she starts pointing some fingers, which is never a good idea. We’ll just have to wait and see what happened.
Thank you!
Debbie has got to go.
On the first show she couldn’t even shop - or purposefully didn’t buy the ingredients her teammates needed. Then she misrepresented her incompetence to them on arrival.
When working with Teddy, she dumped the angel food cake on him, saddled him with the least ‘culinary’, then took the lion’s share of the credit for the joint dish, which he did nearly all the work on. When he was flustered and the judges were grilling him, she did the juvenile and mean thing of ‘piling on’, and then questioning his integrity. It wasn’t his integrity that was in question, and it is her integrity that has never held water.
It was a good and heartening thing when the judges booted Brett after he tried to torpedo Melissa. Teddy, to his credit, declined to play a part in that in the previous week (or two). In the ‘waiting’ room, when Teddy was under fire (and after she’d piled on) Debbie indicated to the rest of the contestants that it was Teddy who had tried to torpedo Melissa. It was not true, but seemed to be a calculated effort on her part to make sure no one noticed she’d been the one to undermine him in the team challenge.
Southern and Korean. Finally this week, Bobby caught on, or at least finally said something. She’s thrown around a few Korean phrases, but not shown her chops in either Korean or southern cooking. It’s all the same style. And, as Bobby noted this week, Korean food is a very particular cuisine…….. I think that’s the euphemism he used. Being Korean or being Southern doesn’t get you an automatic gold star in this world.
About the getting bashed in the cheek by Michael incident. Watch the film on that one. What chef walks up behind someone in the kitchen without announcing themselves, and particularly when they’re taking things out of the oven? That’s as basic as cooking your turkey burger completely (sorry Katie). The judges gushed over her grace under pressure…. but they didn’t notice her food was very uninspired. And her cooking was already done when that happened - not like she was just starting - she just had to get it out of the oven and plate. So the bump didn’t really have an effect on the food. Way to deflect attention! Aren’t you guys paying attention here? Or haven’t you seen this sort of gaming before? Nice use of the ice and hair to mask what didn’t look like much of a bump anyway.
It does seem like you’re willing to bend over backwards to keep her in the running. If you need an star to win more of the Asian market, then you should go find a good one - there are MANY fabulous chefs all around the country.
If picked, I will not watch her show, and I’ll probably be tuning into the Food Network much less frequently. As a professional, a mom, a chef, and a human, it dismays me to see poor sportsmanship, meanness, scheming, and duplicity rewarded. Do you really want this person to be your colleague? If so, you’d better watch your backs, and get ready for your staff to start looking for better working environments.
Under cooking food is ironic for a health oriented cook but getting the right level of cooking doneness is not easy! Many dishes just can’t be poked with a thermometer. So what is the best way to tell when a dish is just right.
Why can’t we vote yet? I hope Debbie get’s booted off soon! I would never watch her show!
Susie,
I do not envy you having to read through all these comments. There are a LOT! Anyway, I just wanted to say that I was glad to see Katie go. I really don’t think she has much to offer Food Network. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that she’s into healthy ingredients. Heck, my girlfriend will be a Registered Dietitian in a couple of months. It just bothered me that she kept saying that what she was doing was “healthy.” I mean, I assumed her dishes would be healthier. I didn’t need to keep hearing that it was healthy. We all know baking is healthier than frying. Thanks for the insight!
I would probably like to see Debbie, Jamika, or Michael hit the road next. Debbie’s issues with integrity really annoys me, and it should be a HUGE red flag to you. Jamika probably wouldn’t cook meals I’d like to eat. And Micheal, well, he gives me the willies. I would NEVER watch his show.
Jeffrey seems destined for this network, and I would definitely set my home DVR. I think he got partnered with a weaker personality this week, and Jamika just gave up under the pressure. I don’t think Jeffrey intentionally “hogged the spotlight.” I think he just started rambling because Jamika never showed any excitement to jump in, although, I will say he could have tried earlier in the segment to invite her to speak about the dish, but this is a competition, and she needs to be able to compete without having someone hold her hand.
Melissa is also destined for the Food Network. She’s real, and I think viewers will be able to relate to her a lot better than some of the other contestants because of that. You know, she’s not trained. She’s just like me, it seems. She definitely needs to work on some things, but I think she has the most potential…even more than Jeffrey! She just needs to calm it down a bit and have a little more self-confidence because she definitely has a lot to offer. Although, I saw the preview for next week, and it looks like she starts pointing some fingers, which is never good. We’ll just have to wait and see what happened.
Thank you!
In Katie’s defense, she didn’t under cook her food. She just ran out of time. And most dishes can be poked with a thermometer, but if you can tell by firmness. The only thing you need to make sure is done is chicken, I believe. Most everything else can be served rare or medium-rare.
Debbie has been dishonest more than once on the show, and I won’t watch a show or try a recipe by a chef I do not trust. I would not even like to eat a meal prepared by a chef I did not trust; how could I be sure of what she really put in the food or how clean her kitchen or her methods were? I trust Jeffrey, though, and enjoy his personality. What he says makes sense, and his dishes are not overly complicated. If Melissa were to calm down, I believe I would enjoy her show. I’m a mom, too, and I appreciate motherly tips on cooking and serving food. She seems real and down to earth.
Melissa is a throw back to the 1950s housewife. I find that irritating in this day and age. She has good presence, but I want to scream every time she mentions cooking for her kids. In 2009 and in our economy, a stay at home mom is a luxury and a dinosaur. I wouldn’t follow her show if she won. She’ll probably pop out a few more kids to cook for them.
The only two of this bunch that I would actually watch are Melissa and Jeffrey. You couldn’t pay me to watch Michael! He is so “over the top” he is just annoying. I don’t care if he can cook or not — I just don’t like him.
I have enjoyed watching. The last couple of weeks have had me on the edge of my seat. I keep trying to remember it is edited. We see what they want us to see. Jeffrey is my absolute favorite. The pressure has been applied and he has been cool, calm and collected. Who wouldn’t be nervous going on camera on Rachel Ray’s show? Did anyone catch his calming reassurance to Jamika after they walked off the set? He was a gentleman.
The winner is clear cut to me - Jeffrey.
Michael - unsuccessful in front of the camera, Jamika - seems lost, Melissa-
wants everyone to see her as underdog - annoying - If we here one more time about how she cooks these dishes for her children. Debbie - the judges need to take a good look at her - she’s a major
problem - time for her to go !!!!
She needed to GO!! she really made me uncomfortable with trying to hard all of the time and I was really tired of her IT’S healthy Speech. I really like Jeffery, he seems very real. But, I feel bad that Jamika had a rough week, she usually sparkles and smiles and is very likeable. Debbie had me liking her but, somethings missing there. I hope melissa goes soon, she’s just too darn perky for my taste. Keep up the great challenges!! I love this show.
Debbie definitely needs to go, and Jamika should part as well. As far as Michael, he is too over the top, he would definitely rankle your audiences, I wonder why he hasn’t been eliminated long ago.
I think that the majority of people feel that Debbie is not a good choice. I certainly hope she goes home this sunday, as she is very dishonest and just plain fake! From the remaining people, I like them all in their own respects. JUST VOTE DEBBIE OFF THE ISLAND, so to speak!
I’ve noticed the day following each show’s broadcast, the participant asked to leave the night before has a short article where they talk about their experience, and what they’ve been doing since (on a separate website). I was wondering if this was sanctioned by Food Network, and if so, why wasn’t there one for Katie? I enjoy the follow-up and would like to know she is OK.
So far my favorites are Melissa, Micheal and Jamika. I can’t really decide which one of them I like the best.
I don’t like Jeffrey at all, I would never watch his show. Honestly I can’t put my finger on what it is I don’t like about him. Plus I think he didn’t give Jamika a chance to show her talants during the last challange. That was pretty annoying. They were supposed to be working together and it was all about Jeffrey.
I was sorry to see Katie go. She was awful and so she did need to be cut. However, I’m a vegetarian and I find it difficult to find shows on the network that feature anything I can eat. I’ll watch, but I can’t make those recipes. I love the idea of Robin Miller’s quick-fix meals, but I can’t ever use them because there is not a full vegetarian week. With the current obesity issues and higher numbers of vegetarians (and the fact that meat is expensive and people are watching their budgets) could you either find a good and watchable vegetarian chef or make it more a priority in other chef’s menus?
Hey, Susie:
While I like Jamika and think that you should find a place for her somewhere at the Food Network (if it were up to me, Debbie would be the next to go, then Jeffrey), here’s what I’d REALLY like to see for the outcome of the competition:
Create a show with both Melissa and Michael! You could call it “M & M” or “(Sub)Urban.” Each show, you could start out with the same basic ingredients. Michael and Melissa would cook simultaneously, but at different, side-by-side kitchens. Melissa’s kitchen would be decorated in a style that fits her personality; Michael’s kitchen’s style would fit his. Melissa would show us how to do great cooking for family and friends; Michael would show us artsy dishes that have more urban flair. While their personalities are different, I think that they could really play off each other and be cute to watch together (as we saw last week). And then we - the viewers - walk away with two fabulous recipe options to use, depending on the circumstances. It would be a fun show, and different than anything on the Food Network currently!
Debbie needs to go!!!! She is back-stabbing and not authentic. Love Melissa and Jeffrey and their kind spirits.
I’m glad i’m not the only one who feels this way based on the other comments i have seen posted here. Out of all the contestants i like Jeffery and Micheal the most because of their personality (& their ability to cook). I just get a feeling that the promoters are trying to push Debbie at all cost while she DOES NOT have a good personality. Lets face it, for TV you have to be good looking … (Why do you think Suzie is a Judge??) & she does not have the looks or the integrity…. Is it me or did she push the crappy desert on the team in Season 1 & then blame it on a “team decision”. Then she pushes the crappy vanilla desert on Teddy & guess what, he gets eliminated for that. (Its his fault for getting pushed).
Suzie seems to looking for any excuse to get rid of Jeffery .. poor guy .. CLEARLY he is standing out for both his personality and his culinary expertise. When he talks food they say talk personal stuff … When he talks personal stuff she says he is telling them what they want to hear … well .. HELLO .. isn’t that what everyone does in a contest??
I could not agree more with Sonya. I love both Michael and Melissa, and I really agree Debbie has got to go, I don’t know what you guys see in her, she comes off (on tv) as brass, crude and self centered. Not the kind of person I could see as a Food Network Star!
Sonya on July 7, 2009 at 6:58 pm
EXCELLENT IDEA!! I would watch that! It would be so interesting to see what they would come up with from different viewpoints! I’d be more likely to watch that versus DTK!
How much did Katie’s undercooked dishes factor into your decision to send her home?
Hi Susie
Everyone is ganging up on you about Debbie - but they’re right! Hopefully the contestants are reading these blogs and learning something about themselves.
Debbie needs to stop telling everyone she’s Korean - we know already. Jamika can’t let one bad experience spoil her chances she needs to come back with both barrels. I was very disappointed that she didn’t stand up to Jeffery. I don’t think he was overpowering her he just wanted to cook a good dish and they both bombed. His presentation is the only thing that worked. Melissa needs to tone it down. It’s like watching Gina Neely without Pat (ugh). Michael, funny, good cook, inventive, no camera presents, needs to be a guest won’t be able to hold is own show although Aaron surprised me and I was rooting for him last season.
It does seem like you’re willing to bend over backwards to keep her in the running.
Mimi on July 7, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Hi Mimi,
Yes, it does appear that way. This season is looking so much like last season where the judges wanted Aaron to win so much that they changed the rules to allow 3 contestants to proceed to the finals instead of 2 like in past seasons. This season it looks like they are favoring Debbie (did you know she’s Korean?) to win. As a matter of fact, there is a magazine article posted on the Internet where Debbie says something to the effect of ‘the folks at the network are always telling me that I sure do like to use sesame oil’. That’s not a direct quote because I just got home from work and don’t want to look up the article. The magazine was something like East West Life Style magazine.
I thought it was just me, but there is something about Debbie that turns me off. I can understand that the FN is looking to capture new demographics but it’s too bad that Katie left. I understand that she needed to go
since she wasn’t cutting it as a FN star. As someone that has recently lost approx. 70 pounds, it would have been nice to watch someone who doesn’t work with oil, cream and butter.You’re healthy cooking niche market shows are few and far between. I understand that business is business but it seems that you are going for specific markets and that is the priority. It seems obvious that you have a pre-concieved agenda
I thought it was just me, but there is something about Debbie that turns me off. I can understand that the FN is looking to capture new demographics but it’s too bad that Katie left. I understand that she needed to go
since she wasn’t cutting it as a FN star. As someone that has recently lost approx. 70 pounds, it would have been nice to watch someone who doesn’t work with oil, cream and butter.You’re healthy cooking niche market shows are few and far between. I understand that business is business but it seems that you are going for specific markets and that is the priority. It seems obvious that you have a pre-concieved agenda. I love the show but I feel that the conclusion has already been made.
I like Jamika,
I think she was so disapointed with the dish they made, (and with good reason) she didn’t have anything to say. I’d like to know if any other viewers have a good
recipe for those ingredients? When she talks about food you can hear the passion she has for cooking. I think she has a fresh perspective on the routine genre’s of dishes. She is easy to listen to. I find her calming.
I don’t feel that Jeffery stole the spotlight from Jamika. She froze and just stood there. I think it made him nervous and he did whatever he could to salvage the challenge.
Excuse me Susie Q, your bias is showing. How can you admit that Debbie is your favorite in this show? Tipping the Network hand? She should have been gone week one. I won’t watch her conniving snippy caricature of a cook at all. And while you are at it, could you have given Jeffrey a more difficult basket of food with lobster and blueberries…..so not fair and so like TVFN. You picked your demographic before you started chose the contestants. Good grief, I will watch this dreck even less with such obvious favoritism on the judges part. And while you are busy explaining yourself can you explain the trainwreck of Money Saving Meals….That show is worthless. I’m sorry I’m sick of someone showing me how to heat up a can of apple pie filing and putting it in a tortilla and calling it a handpie. Ridiculous. What a farce this network has become.
I agree with everyone about Debbie being a manipulating, back-stabbing liar. I hope she is one of the next to go. She and Teddy made a great manipulators team. I find her totally annoying. Quite frankly, I am getting super tired of her bringing up the Korean connection with everyone of her dishes. Doesn’t she know how to cook anything else? I love the network, but would never watch a show Debbie was hosting. I mean, how could anybody believe her advice after all the lies and manipulation she’s done to the other contestants. Just rotten, in my opinion, and not deserving of a spot on the food network.
I think the judges’ toughness really does reflect the fact that no one in this year’s group is batting it out of the park. No one has been consistently great.
The two contestants with the most raw star power, Melissa and Michael, become entirely different people when the camera is turned on them. They probably would function better in a lower stress environment, but that’s not what the show is testing.
The other three contestants are adequate at best. Jeffrey doesn’t seem to have a lot to offer viewers, and he railroaded over Jamika (especially obvious if you watch the full clip on Rachel Ray’s site). Jamika did herself no favors, with her mopey attitude, and I question the quality of her cooking. Debbie is a good screen presence, but she’s devious and she seems to make a variation on the same dish every time.
Susie,
I always enjoy your comments on the contestants as you take a different perspective than the other judges and you always try to be positive even when it looks hopeless. You also express a strong moral viewpoint in terms of the contestants expressing integrity & honesty. So with all that, why are the three of you not seeing the same Debbie we see every Sunday? There is a definite lack of integrity & honesty & see has consistently thrown her peers under the bus whenever she is being questioned. Even though she has an ease with the camera as you all see it even my 12 & 15 yr old children see her as dishonest, a manipulator and not fun to watch! You know what they say about children’s insights???
Hi Susie,
As I sat here this lovely evening trying to catch up on all the posts, I wonder what you think when you see just how many of us that watch the show dislike Debbie. Do you take all this into consideration when you vote each week. I think that you will loose so many many fans should she win. Yes we would all like an Asian show, but from some one that is real, honest and with the knowledge of what they are doing. Please rethink your thoughts when it come to keeping Debbie. Remember she is a liar, she likes to stab any one in the back she can, and no one seems to like her and will watch her show. By the way she seems to be appearing in many places, a club in LA and a hot dog joint in LA…If that is the case let her do these things and keep her off TV…ave a great week, Fran
We turn on shows on Food Network to watch beautiful and delicious food cooked by beautiful and talented people. By that criteria, Debbie (has a serious weight problem), Michael (needs a proper haircut and an overall cleaning), and Jamica need to be sent home immediately.
I have been a fan since The Next Foodnetwork Star began. I have liked so many and disliked others. I want to say, from the beginning of this season I have really tried to like Debbie. I have come to the conclusion that she is very hard to watch and listen to. I would probably turn her show on (only because I love Foodnetwork), but would turn her off really quick. The Asian show sounds great, but with someone else that seems to know a little more than “only because I Asian” with more enthusiasm and “perk”. You all always say they need energy and are able to hold and audiance. In my opinion and I’m sure others, her show would not last and you would probably not have many viewers. Also, with Guy Fieri, you have been able to add more shows with him and he has the energy and the expertice that “The Next Foodnetwork Star” needs. Thank you from Texas~!
I’m glad Jamika was given a second chance. She didn’t like the food she and Jeffrey cooked and that made her more than a little nervous. She should have stood up to him in the planning stage.
Debbie is Korean? Who knew? I swear I’ll scream if she tells us one more time she was born in the South but is Korean. Her Seoul to Soul schtick might be catchy, but by now it’s tiresome.
Michael flat out states he’s terrified of the camera. HELLO! What does he think he’ll be dealing with if he wins? Although I like him very much. He seems genuinely sweet.
I think Jeffrey is probably the best cook, but he’s not showing any personality.
Melissa has shown tremendous progress. I love her enthusiasm although she can go over the top. I also think her stay-at-home Mom thing is too limiting. She needs to relate to working women and men too.
Dear Susie:
I wouldn’t watch Debbie or Michael if they were the last two people on the Food Network channel. As an author of books and more recently a cookbook (in process), my time is precious and I watch the Food Network channel to relax and evaluate various dishes. Debbie lacks integrity and it is ironic that while viewing the recent promo for the next episode, she appears to be lamenting about her “toes” being stepped on. This woman screams of selfishness and lack of integrity! Michael is a nice guy but…come on folks. You really think he has camera appeal and presence? Please eliminate these two. They are painful to watch! I would definitely give some time to Melissa, Jamika or Jeffrey. They are real! And Susie, you are a beautiful woman…remember to smile. You guys look like you are going to shoot someone most of the time. You can critique, coach and even eliminate contestants while smiling…it doesn’t hurt! The attempt at looking serious and dramatic look dismal and lifeless. Kathleen
I commented yesterday evening and it never appeared just like Gary Fossett (7/7..7:40 AM). I watched the RachaelRayShow.com film clips and was disappointed that the producers of TNFNS edited to “entitle” their choices for the bottom three. None of those contestants were as terrible as they were made out to be in the final evaluation. I watch out of intrigue to see what the final outcome will be, but will probably not find much to continue my interest if the winner is not Melissa or Jeffrey, and unfortunately, I don’t think the winner will do more than the obligatory 13 tapings for a season. I will probably continue to set my FN schedule to view the shows I want to see by checking the programming schedule and the recipes being offered. Just like I do with prime time programming, which has also been less than riveting.
I hope that FN can find its own integrity and serve its viewers something other than a contrived format or some old formula rehashed with a new face. Thanks in advance!
Hi Susie,
I am interested in your thoughts about Melissa. I know that most of your (not you personally) problems in episode 5 had to do with her frantic presentations, but I interested in her cooking skills. It seems that overall, compared to the other contestants, her food has met consistently good reviews from everyone. You also praised her cooking skills after she tasted each chile pepper before cooking with them at the intrepid challenge. I was wondering if you, Bob, or Bobby were surprised at the quality of her food, considering she is a self-taught home cook. I myself am impressed. She is definitely on my list of winners, I only hope she can learn to be consistent with her presentations as she is with her food and point of view.
Thanks for reading!
-Mike from RI
I just watched the latest episode of NFNS. Jeffrey hands down won the kids challenge. He was awesome and the kids loved his dish. Rachel Ray even commented on his presentation. He is the one and only true star in this bunch.
I love this show, but I do not like it when two have to compete, because the weaker one does hinder the stronger. And generally on a cooking show there is only one unless there is a guest. I love Debbie, and would love to see her cook more asian type food. I watch cooking shows alot. I think some of the comments are biased, I did wonder why you kept Katie after the raw food. I do agree the accident with Debbie and Michael was her fault. I would not watch the homemaker if she wins, even Rachael Ray is to much for me. Even tho, I like her. She talks so fast, and so much. But alot like her. I love Aaron Corgo, and the Neely’s Paula, and Bobby Flay, I like a lot of the shows.
I like Jeffrey, he is real, Melissa is way too emotional for any of it. Debbie is just to phony. Its always “I’m Korean” well no kidding. At this point who even cares??? I love this network, but why do we have to have a reality show on the food network?? We all like to watch the agony these people go thru each week, but then do we really need more shows?? You already have a good lineup.. just come up with some new ideas.
we really need a southwest/mexican cooking offering on the food network. something interesting, taste provocative and accessible to the culinary skills of the average viewer. we are all great foodies, but for me personally its better to be less complex. i guess its a learning process, where you start from one point and get to another. the person most obviously appropriate for this is chef jeffrey saad. there is not one foodie who can honestly say they would not want to be served by this chef…..his easy and laid back manner with that winning smile may just be the the righrt amount of roasted pepper we need at this moment. his sincerity and dedication to his cooking acumen has not gone unnoticed…..in contrast to some of the “over the top” currently running shows where you only focus on the hoop earrings i think someone within the realm of normality would be a great relief.
What has happened to the talent…or is it the judges? You hit it out of the park in Season 1 with Dan and Steve. Season 2, Guy is one in 100,000,000. Season 3 — Amy who? — she was horrible. Adam Gertler should have won Season 4 but the judges worked with Aaron to help him be more comfortable with the camera, and gave him the prize. Now we have precious little talent in Season 5. Jeffrey is the clear winner. He has a good presence, he is comfortable, he can talk, he can cook, he would be welcome on my TV anytime. Melissa is SO annoying, yet she seems to be a favorite with the judges. I promise that I will not watch her show IF she gets one. Debbie is also annoying AND sneaky. Remember Jag? He was disqualified for dishonesty. Jamika has a great personality, as does Michael, but watching them week after week…no, not gonna happen.
Debbie has to go. I watch FoodNetwork and I love Asian food and would like to see it on your network. But not from Debbie, I would not watch her show.
I agree that Jeffery hands down was the winner of this episode. He has been the most consistent week to week. In a way it seems like the judges want so badly for Debbie to win that they put up with a lot of her issues. Not to mention-she is pretty boring to watch and lacks talent….can you say angle food cake? If she wins, that tells me that they were putting more value into hiring an Asian regardless of their talent. I simply won’t watch Debbie. I don’t think she would be a good fit at Food Network.
These are who I think would be excellent to see on Food Network:
!.Jeffery
2. Melissa
3.Michael
As cute as she is, Katie had to go. Maybe in a few years with a little more maturity, she could make it on a food show. Jeffery and Debbie already seems groomed for the finals (not that I agree). Michael? He’s entertaining but can’t hacked it with the camera’s. He is criticized for it, but, is there anyone helping him with his issue? Or, is it expected that he figure it out on his own? Seems that others get tips for their weakness. Michael just gets criticized. Please give him some tips to relax and be himself with the camera! Michael is someone I might watch.
Minnesota Molly on July 7, 2009 at 10:12 am I coudn’t agree more with you! I mostly shop at Wal-Mart and where I live there are three to choose from and each one is completely different and it takes a while for me to find what I am looking for sometimes. I, too, think it is a bit ridiculous to limit time for grocery shopping for the contestants in an unfamiliar store. Let them go and browse and see what the store offers.
I understand that a television show has to be taped within so much time - there is also a tremendous amount of time that has gone into research and timing before it is taken to the cameras and the contestants are just given some ingredients and told to go forth and cook …. and oh yeah, we are taping you!!!
Hi Susie! Here’s my Question: On the RR team challenge - when Bob thought Jeffery talked too much and you said you did not see Jamika as a victim, did you and Bob talk over your opinions before judging or do you just speak it out as you see it in front of the contestants?
My Comment: Susie THANK YOU!! I was so thankful you said you did not see Jamkia as a victim in the judging, I was so in your corner! But, now after seeing the RR presentation in it’s entirety, of Jeffrey & Jamika I’m with you EVEN MORE! I can’t believe Bob thought Jeffery said too much. Jeffery was only following through on his advice from the judges. Jamika had EVERY opportunity to grab the title, but she chose to pout.
What bothers me even more, is that other contestants have had upsetting or down moments but they bounced back when it was challenge time. Jamika doesn’t pick herself up and move on. When she said she didn’t have “not even one second to shine” - I was floored! Jamkia has had many seconds to shine, it’s her choice to seize the opportunity or not.
Keep up the great job!
Why do you let people come on the show if you clearly don’t like them? Every year there is someone, this year it was Katie. Why bother having them come on?
I don’t think Jeffrey stole the show from Jamika, I do love her, but she showed bad vibes before she even stepped foot in Rachel’s kitchen! She didn’t like what they were cooking, she didn’t feel good about herself. I think she does have the talent, however she does need to suck up the critizism and use it to be the best that we know she can be!
I agree with Bobby on Debbie’s persistant way of telling us she is Korean, ya we get it!! I think she is not trustworthy enough to get this opportunity!
Michael flat out said that he is terrified of the camera. And why is he still there? I think he has a great personality about him, but he will never make the show!
I love Jeffrey, he does need to be more relaxed and show us the real Jeffery. But I think he has the best chance of being successful. He is a great chef!!
Melissa needs to just stay home and be a mom! She always seems to be the victim of her own faults. How does that happen? She is very annoying to watch! I would never watch her if she was to get her own show!!!
I do not disagree in sending Katie home. She was very sweet, maybe a little too “healthy” but she did not have the qualities to have her own show!
My thoughts so far is: GO JEFFERY!!!!!
Hi Susie, i hope you really read these messagees, Please Don’t keep Debbie around i really can’t understand why the you 3 judes keep her around you, know how she really like in the challenges,im really sick of person, I will not watch her if is the NFNW
I’m a little late in commenting…guess that’s just a by-product of DVRs since I don’t watch the episodes as they air. I watch them sometimes days later!!
Since Jeffrey is my favorite, I admit I tend to cringe at some of the things that are pointed out to him. He now seems confused. I think it’s because the 1st time he spoke the judges said they did’nt learn anything about him and to make things more personal. The next time he spoke, he mentioned family and he was told that was much better…keep it up. And the very next time he mentioned cooking with his son….the judges said they were tired of hearing about cooking with his boy… I’m confused as to what you want from him and I’m not in the middle of all that stress!!!! I honestly believe you all think he’s a wonderful candidate….maybe in an effort to spur him on to greater things you’re tearing him down instead of lifting him up…??
I read one of the comments that mentioned the time constraints and the difficulty level of some of the challenges being mean spirited. It was kind of funny….because I was thinking the same thing myself. Sometimes I wish you would just forget about making the contestants come up with edible dishes in 10 minutes and give them a chance to create something within a reasonable time frame. I believe we, the audience, would be able to get a better picture of who they are and their individual styles…not determine who is the fastest in a 50 yard dash!! I would ask if Bobby or Giada or Rachel or, my favorite lady in the world, Paula ever had to create a dish from start to edible finish in a timed setting before they would be able to enrich our culinary lives in our homes?
Ok…enough already!! But first I wanted to comment on Jamika & Jeffrey. I believe it was you, Susie, who suggested that Jamika shut down and Jeffrey was merely trying to keep it going. I think he realized he lost his partner when he looked at her and saw….nothing!!! So, I agree with you…Jamika shut down. She’s one of my favorite contestants…but she shut down.
Thank you for letting me comment!! Now that I know this forum exists, I’ll be sure to use it again.
Watched the show at my parents and decided to subscribe so I could watd FN at home. But, getting so sick of Debbie, I almost don’t want to watch the show anymore. (has it s pot pie wasn’t good. The stove seemed to have malfunctioned. So, he’s marked down. Michael hit Debbie with a pan. So it seems it’s his fault. been mentioned she’s Asian?) Debbie had to cover a bruise with “a lot” of make up. Sorry, she must bruise easily. Ever been bending down to pick up your toddler and the toddler stood up at the same time. Excrutiating pain. Been smacked with a kitchen utensil and with the toddler head. Toddler head hurts worst by most. Debbie is manipulative, dishonest and does not provide a very wide variety of cooking elements. (did we mention that she’s Korean?) But at this point, you put these people in semi impossible positions (get long cooking foods cooked in a short period of time), then don’t give them points for trying. How many current shows put the host in that position. Does Paula’s stove/oven ever not work? Does Rachel have malfunctioning equipment? Ok,my favorites are Drive Ins, Dives etc, and Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Chopped & the challenges, I’m not a gourmet or a really good cook, but it seems a really high bar is put on these people. Jeffrey is put down because he doesn’t share “personal experiences”. Maybe his personal experiences aren’t all that good. And, I’ve watched several Bobby Flay shows, no personal information provided there. All I know, (or think I know, is that he MAY be from New York, not sure why I think that). So lighten up judges. Get rid of Debbie. I would maybe watch Michael, Jeffrey or Melissa, but I do know I would NOT watch a show with Debbie as the host. And so far, I do not think she’s provided a recipethat I would even want to cook. (by the way, did we mention she’s Korean and doesn’t speak the language?). Then again, the judes (Bobby F.) kinda put down Jeffrey for having the “hot/sweet” thing going on. But they haven’t said anyting about Debbie having the “Korean” thing going on and on and on and on and on and on…. anyway, there’s my 2 cents.
Of all the FN next stars, these folks are the least of quality. I believe that Jeffrey and Michael have the most interesting styles, albeit difficult for Michael so far. Debbie seems to whine and Melissa is just too-too perky. I prefer seasoned chefs with personality and the ability to teach me new techniques. I do not want more recipes so simple and homey that I get bored. So, that is my comment.
Sonya on July 7, 2009 at 6:58 pm, Seriously M & M Melissa & Michael… I like it too.
Michael
I am afraid that he is not going to make it – he appears nervous when doing his presentation, and more important he panics in front of the camera, it’s driving me banana. Out of all the remaining candidates – I feel that Michael has the potential to become the next Food Network Star, and I truly believe he would be an asset to the Food Network Family - however with his inability to perform in front of the camera – leads me to believe this is going to be his downfall. If you could take Melissa presentation, and put it with Michael energy/and recipes. You would have the next Food network star.
Jamike
She started out strong, however I am wondering where is her mind now - she has really disappointed me these past couple episodes. This last episode took the cake. I wish I could have jumped on camera this particular day to ask her - what are you doing, do you really want this. She appears to be losing focus.
Debbie
I hope to see more of her dishes, I am hopeing that she would spice it up a little bit. However, I do agree with Bobby on her redundant statements – if she can sharpen her presentation I think she is going to take this home on a small technicality.
Jeff
I am now puzzled with. He is so unpredictable. I am also beginning to wonder if he has a camera shy problem - when he gives a presentation he is another candidate that comes across as being redundant. He speaks a lot on what he cooks for his daughter. Will his meals presented to us be for a family, or just for the children? He always takes ingredients given to him, and prepares it with his daughter in mind.
Melissa
I like but she scares me. Her camera presentation is great, but her dishes are all within the same arena. She comes across as a person that cannot focus on more than one task at a time. Which makes you wonder if juggling her home life and The Food network is going to be too much for her to handle? I noticed on the blog she is very well liked – but, is she liked for the future of the Food Network, or is it because she keeps crying about what other are doing/or saying about her.
This is just my take
I was a little surprised to see Bob be a little tough on the remaining five this week. I hope he’s not forgetting that these are amateurs in front of the camera and need encouragement, not discouragement.
I was thinking about what everyone was saying about Debbie not being honest in the first episode. So, I watched it again. What I did notice was that she was not a good team leader or team player. Everyone on her team was missing important ingredients for their dishes except for Debbie. In fact, she had enough ingredients she was able to make extra. She shorted everyone important ingredients; therefore, she sabotaged everyone on her team. She made sure she had more than enough of what she needed but did not make sure all of the other team members had the necessary ingredients to make their own dishes. And, the dessert what was that about. She decided to make some awful dessert to serve to the members of the food network. She did not get the necessary ready made biscuits requested claiming the store did not have them. I have never been to a grocery store that did not have plenty of ready made biscuits. She just did not take the time to look in the right place where the ready made biscuits are kept. Debbie’s only concern was her own dish and not the other team members’ dishes.
Susie
Why is Jeffrey Saad still on. He intimates everyone. Also to me acts like he “is Somebody”?
Thanks Margaret
Good God, PLEASE get rid of Debbie. She is a liar, she is dishonest (and SHE has the NERVE to talk about someone else’s integrity???? HA) and I cannot stomach her. I would NEVER watch her. Quit coddling her judges. Go Jeffrey, Michael or Melissa.
I don’t think Jeffrey stole Jamika’s thunder. I felt like she went in with a down attitude so she didn’t jump in. She has alot of potential she just needs more confidence.
Get rid of lying, cheating Debbie. I would NEVER watch her. Michael is too flambouyant to watch for more than five minutes. Melissa may be a little perky but if people can stomach that Rachel Ray than why not Melissa? Jamika is sweet and i’d like to see a soul-food show, but my vote is for Jeffrey.
Why at this stage in the competition did you pair them up? None of them really excite me. I might watch if the winner’s show had a different twist than all the other shows on FN.
Beware of Debbie. If she wins, I won’t watch Food Network again!
I read that this show was produced in January and that any comments we have are mute, however from the first episode I was surprised that so many comments were made by judges and guest stars about how great they thought Debbie was. It seems each week someone tries to push her on us. My best guess is she will win because they do not have aa Asian on the network, but can’t you find someone better than her. I have never noticed there being such strong personal opinions about a contectant before. If she wins it was fixed from the get go and this show means nothing.
I have been continually amazed that Debbie is still in contention. Wether subconsciously or unconciously, she ommitted items from her shopping list that were specifically asked for by other contestants. She also mislead everyone by indictating her grocery bill came inunder budget. For her to then challenge Teddy’s integrity was somewhat of the pot calling the kettle black. They should both be off the show - (soooooo tired of “I’m Korean”) No that Teddy’s off, however, I’m sure we’ll all see Debbie continue to spiral out of control as she ever will look out for #1.
Since I had some extra time this day, I decided to go back and read the blogs on this subject. What I read was that the largest percentage of people want Debbie gone. And then I came upon Beverly White 7-8 11:36 am. I was shocked to see that she has tried to put a racial divide into this. This is not what this show is about. Her remarks were totally uncalled for. If this is what you think Ms. White, then you are watching the wrong show, and the wrong channel.
I hope the judges listen and get rid of Debbie, if she doesn’t listen to them and says she’s Korean one more time, reading the post opened my eyes about why I didn’t like Micheal, he just doesn’t look clean, The rest are just ok but no one has a big personality that takes over the camera.
What made you decide eliminate Katie vs. Jamika? Jamika totally lost it this past episode and Katie was actually pulling it together, which indicated that she was actually improving and learning from her mistakes.
Isn’t cleanliness important in cooking? The only thing I remember hearing is wash your hands after handling meat. How about washing hands before starting to cook, as well, and don’t run your hands through your hair while cooking?
Susie, I don’t know how you’re going to be able to weed through all these comments without going insane. Good luck! I myself have given up and just want to add this thought: Given that this is a competition, I don’t feel that Jeff stole Jamika’s thunder. He was just trying to make sure he promoted himself. It was Jamika’s job to promote herself, not wait for Jeff to do it for her. Maybe it wasn’t his finest hour, given his unfavorable food results, but I don’t blame him for Jamika’s failure. That was her own fault.
Question: In the case of Katie where the stove wouldn’t work for her. Should she have just not served the dish rather than serve it raw? And if not, what would her options have been given she had no time to start over or even alter the dish.
I don’t think Jeffrey stole Jamika’s thunder. These two are my favorites currently. I kept waiting for Jamika to jump in. Her nervousness made her clam up , while Jeffrey’s nervousness over her not saying anything made him talk more and faster. Though, he could’ve asked her a question to help draw her into their presentation. Jeffrey seems genuine to me. Susie, I wonder how you and the other judges measure who is suitable to win ? For example,is it 50% tasty cooking ability ? Is it 30% camera presence and personality ? Is it 40% originality in recipe creation ? I mean, if Katie were a wonderful chef, I still don’t think she deserved to win her own show, because there was no spark in her; something is lacking in her personality that just didn’t make her charismatic, like the wonderful stars of your network. So how do you judge? Is comfort in front of the camera more important than cooking ability ? I bet it is since cooking can be learned, whereas being comfortable in front of the camera and being charismatic and funny are more natural traits which are hard to teach. Thank you !
I agree with Doris, cleanliness is SO important. Micheal looks unclean, acts unclean and can’t keep his hands out of his nasty looking hair.
Explain what you mean by “moderation”
Can we get Bobby Flay out of that striped suit with the pink tie, please?
“Create a show with both Melissa and Michael! You could call it …(Sub)Urban.” Each show, you could start out with the same basic ingredients. Michael and Melissa would cook simultaneously, but at different, side-by-side kitchens. Melissa’s kitchen would be decorated in a style that fits her personality; Michael’s kitchen’s style would fit his. Melissa would show us how to do great cooking for family and friends; Michael would show us artsy dishes that have more urban flair.”
Someone had a neat idea here. Love the idea of the side-by-side kitchens. That is fun.
Not a Melissa fan AT ALL! My two favs that I would tune into watch would be Jeffrey and Michael. Possibly Jamika. Melissa’s a little to neurotic for me and Debbie doesn’t come across as calm, as the judges have commented, for me. Plus, I had no idea garlic was Korean..agree w/the judges the I’m Korean stuff is old. Imagine Jamika sayin’ “I’m Black” or Michael saying “i’m gay”, or Jeffrey saying “I’m gorgeous”, ..(he is).
Before you start the NFNS do you come in with a demographic you are trying to meet for the network? You probably wouldn’t state that, because you want us to think it is based on true talent.
For example, did Debbie receive preferential treatment on staying because she could appeal to a demographic who wants to cook more Asian food?
How worried would you be from the backlash of having an openly gay man like Michael on your network? (By the way, I love him, he cracks me up.)
Do you worry about backlash from working moms regarding Melissa, or do you just right that off as there are stay at home moms during the day that would watch her?
I guess my question is how much marketing information and adding to the overall diversity of the Food Network really plays into these elimination decisions?
I agree with Doris—–don’t run your hands through your hair while cooking! As long as we are talking hair……there should be an “on show” rule, tie it back! This ought to apply also to the “Stars” who already have shows. Nothing grosses me out more than to see their dangling hair hanging right over food that they are preparing! That, and not washing hands.
I have wondered why there aren’t more guidelines that the Food Network requires of those who are cooking on the shows. Lose the cleavage for one.
Since the winner will have his/her own show why do you keep teaming up the players? Jamika does her best work and presentation on her own and who cares if she can cook with anyone else? I like her and I like to watch her present. She seems comfortable with everything and everyone (camera included) on her own. The only team I’ve seen is The Neeley’s and I’d like to smack Pat Neeley right off the show. Jamika seems versitle, calm but excited to be cooking something “real” for real people, not zeroed into one ethnic-based food (like Korean?) or obsessed with calories or kids–already tired of hearing about those things, don’t really care about personal experences unrelated to the recipe, just want good food that doesn’t cost a fortune to prepare and isn’t always exotic. There’s only one contestant I probably wouldn’t watch if he won and that’s Michael. He’s probably a great person but he’s too much everything for my taste. Go Jamika, GO!
I miss the first episode about Debbie being misleading etc etc. When I watched the second episode I kind of liked her, but now that several episodes have past I seem to have changed my opinion. There is something about her I don’t like. I can’t put my finger on it, maybe like a slithering snake if you get in its way it will strike you. I don’t know but I do hope she doesn’t win and IF she does, like some one else said this show was fix from the begining.
Hi Susie,
After watching “Grill it with Bobby Flay” Lobster Tales Episode, I saw a great potential new host for a show. she was Chrissann Brunsmann. She was relatable, humble and edifying of Bobby. Watch the episode, it’s great! I would tivo every episode. Plus I think she would have a huge male audience. I hope you’ll let me know what you think. She’s real and it shows. Plus her chocolate Lobster tacos were awesome.
Sincerely, Karen
Susie,
Could you please explain how the finalist get the “baskets of ingredients?” Do the judges select the baskets or is the selection done by drawing?
For the hamburger challenge, did the finalist have some time - 10 minutes or so - to plan their course before cooking time of 20 minutes began? On Iron Chef America, the chefs have some time to plan the courses before the cooking time begins.
Thanks.
It is a very emotional show….but lets remember folks that the application says filmed 24/7….that is so that they can do post edit…..to match the demographic outcome…
the blogs…the show itself….it is all done post-edit….which is the best way.
we comment this way or that way because those are the options given based on the shows progression and post-edit……this is marketing and demographic genius….way to go bob and susie…..by the way my vote based on the latest post-edit is that michael will win the show….partly for demographic reasons….and also because he is the intentional sleeper (come from behind guy)that may not be the way it was during the 2 weeks of filming…..but you can find video file footage to support the outcome…and build drama in the process…..reality shows are a wonderful….and cheap medium…..
Hi,
I do agreed with the rest of the people that Debbie, she needs to go home regarless of how good you all think she can be. For example look at episode four the only reason she got hurt was because she did not look, where she was going. now episode five with Reachel Ray, She does not put any effort to what she is doing I think that she should be home. Why are you keeping Debbie in the show?
Does it seem to you that there is more backstabbing/lying going on with these contestants than previous seasons? Do you think people would want to watch someone in a show that they saw do this on NFNS?
Margaret, 7/8 9:45 AM-You wrote that Jeffrey “intimates everyone”. If that were true I’d be standing in line waiting for my turn!
BTW viewers, Debbie is going to serve Deb’s Special, a hot dog covered with kimchi and pork belly at her restaurant. Or if you would rather, you could have a Morning Dog, that’s a hot dog topped with a fried egg and maple syrup. I won’t be standing in line for those.
About the Jameka vs. Jeffrey thing - what would have happened if Jeff had asked her a question and she just didn’t answer due to being frozen? I think that would have been worse than continuing to monologue (as he did).
1. poorly spiced cold shrimp
2.elementary greens and cornbread
3. piece of salmon on a piece of lettuce
4.piece of salmon w/ bottled marinade
5.kielbasa/cheddar/potato/ SLOP
6. raw corn w/lime wrap
7. let the good times sausage
roll to the floor
8.sounds of silence
Why was Katie kicked off. She should have had time to improve. She had potential. Even though she always gave a health benefit to every meal she made, she made me want to choose healier options when I go shopping for food.
““Create a show with both Melissa and Michael! You could call it …(Sub)Urban.” Each show, you could start out with the same basic ingredients. Michael and Melissa would cook simultaneously, but at different, side-by-side kitchens. Melissa’s kitchen would be decorated in a style that fits her personality; Michael’s kitchen’s style would fit his. Melissa would show us how to do great cooking for family and friends; Michael would show us artsy dishes that have more urban flair.”
Someone had a neat idea here. Love the idea of the side-by-side kitchens. That is fun.”
Quoting a quote . . . I also like this idea!
When Jameka did her 30 second spot, she stated that she used the marinade twice. Once for marinating and then reduced it for basting uses. Tyler Florence commented that she could make someone sick or kill them. Well today on Everyday Italian with Giada, she used her chicken marinade twice. Is this ok for her to do, and if so, why would Tyler make these untrue comments about Jameka’s dish?
Susie: I want to let you know that watching NFNS has been quite interesting. Each week I’m amazed by some of the different techniques and have learned a few new tricks. I applaude all the judges as you have a thankless task each week. Yes, I feel you made the right choice in sending Katie home. I look forward to the next weeks challenges. My thanks to you all - have a great week!
Did Jeffrey steal Jamika’s thunder on Rachael Ray?
NO, he did not. Jamika has a voice and she knows how to use it. It was her choice not to use it during the RR taping. Don’t blame Jeffrey. He just tried to pick up the slack.
Comment on Debbie…she has the ‘I am a victim’ hang up. She never does anything wrong. Why oh why wasn’t she tossed after the first night. She clearly lied and by not getting the items her team members needed, she sabotaged their opportunity to shine. Oh yeah, and that store bought angel food cake thing. That was her idea. Shouldn’t she have paid for that faux pas too. After reading some of the comments about the judges possibly pushing Debbie down our throats because they want an Asian cooking show…uh, well…I hope that isn’t true. Surely you could do better than Debbie as a host for an Asian cooking show. I mean, is her cooking really Asian? Maybe that is why she keeps bringing it up…to convince everyone it is Asian. ICK!!
This comes to mind:
•sociopathic - Having the characteristics of a sociopath; *Unconcerned about the adverse consequences for others of one’s actions*
Just my opinion
I think there were two things going on within Episode 5. First Jeffrey is a scene stealer and everyone knows this. But did he steal Jamika’s thunder?! Not really. He was his usual, over bearing, talkative self, but Jamika allowed him to do this to her. She became frustrated because of the first challenge and it showed. No one like’s a quitter. Secondly, Debbie is a big whiner and I think the next epsiode will confirm this. Are they trying to win a spot on Food Network or Gerber’s?!!
There is no question in my mind that Debbie will win. The Food Network is the most politically correct network around! We have had gays, blacks, males, and females. You can pick the winners of the Ultimate Recipe Showdown by their demographic profile before they ever begin cooking. (older, male, military, minority, etc.) It is absolutely time for the Asian win - so mark my word — it WILL be Debbie.
There is no question in my mind that Debbie will win. The Food Network is the most politically correct network around! We have had gays, blacks, males, females, it is absolutely time for the Asian win - so mark my word — it WILL be Debbie
Jefferie was a little overbearing and I felt he thought he needed a strong performance during the RR challenge and did not care who he trampled on or threw under the bus. Jameka should have chimed in, but she made the mistake of thinking Jefferie would remain true to the team concept of the challenge and would include her in the demonstration, but he barely took a breath. Jameka was letting her time mistake in the first challenge consume her and she figured she had screwed up so badly that she was doomed and was going to be the next person eliminated. She has the llok, the personality and culinary chops to be a Food Network star, she just has to remain upbeat and confident and let her natural personality flow. I also think that Jameka has been stuck with some lame ingredients the last two episodes because I think the FN powers wanted to see what she would come up with, assuming she woucome up with something phenomenal, tasty snd creative, but we all know what generally happens when we assume.
I am also Korean BUT I can actually cook lots of different kinds of food using lots of different ingredients. My food is not bland & underseasoned. I would love to see a show on Asian food but I would not watch Debbie. I don’t know that I would watch ANY of this year’s contenders. The only past winner that I watch & like is Guy. Seriously, they need to get some real chefs and develope some new shows around them. I would watch a show with Cat Cora. She is fun, nice, and can really cook.
I too posted a comment - I admit it was negative about the prejudiced judges - that never made it. More proof that this is manipulated and pre-determined. Oh well…there are a ton of other channel to watch….and I hear Cake Boss on TLC rocks and some of the other shows might just know Food Network off the ivory tower it put itself on.
Im thrilled Im not the only one who thinks Debbie is worst than Teddy! I am not a fan of Teddy, but he had to work with Debbie’s store bought under par ingredients, and she LET HIM HANG. I would not watch a show of hers, not even because the network is looking for an Asian host. We once had “Yang” can cook and Ming (I LOVE Blue Ginger in Wellesley), Debbie falls in the faux puertorrican “sofrito” of challenges past. Yet there seems to be a judge preference for her. Did Jefferey steal Jamikas thunder? Hardly. She had convinced herself she was done, and just wilted. I really hoped Jamika would join Jefferey as the two finalists (I personally would watch a Jefferey show, he’s untainted as a FN groupie - he never watched a show, so his perspective on food tv brings us back to Yang can cook, Mariana Esposito and Wolfgang in the sense of pioneering food on tv and not a FN stereocasted type. Hes the real deal - he can cook, he knows the restaurant business and seems to have a healthy and whole family life.
I am just curious - can anyone give me some suggestions of what might have been done with a lobster and blueberry combination? I am assuming it would have to be used in the same dish and anything I can think of would probably ruin a perfectly good lobster.